Holiday blues in UAE: Why Christmas can be loneliest time of year for expats

For over a decade, Dubai resident Sophie has preferred to spend her Christmas holidays working. With both her parents deceased and as a single woman, the British expat tries to make sure that her colleagues who have families get the time off. 

 “Sometimes, it is a little heartbreaking to listen to my friends making plans to surprise their families at home during the holiday time or have colleagues excitedly discussing what gifts to get their children,” she admitted. “However, I focus on work, and it gives me true happiness that me working helps my colleagues to take the much-needed time off for Christmas and the holiday season.”

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According to Maria Camila Jauregui Buitrago, a psychologist at the German Neuroscience Center, feelings of loneliness and inadequacy — commonly referred to as the “holiday blues” — are widespread among expats in the UAE.

“Being away from family, friends, and familiar traditions can intensify loneliness and nostalgia, making people more vulnerable during the festive period,” she said. “Loneliness, financial stress, and social media comparisons often amplify feelings of sadness or inadequacy at this time of year.”

She explained that unlike clinical depression, holiday blues are usually mild, situational, and short-lived.

Dr. Hanan Kandil, Specialist Psychiatrist at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, added that the season can be emotionally complex for many expats. “Distance from family, time zone differences, and cultural variations in how holidays are celebrated can amplify feelings of not fully belonging,” she said. “Many expats experience mixed emotions — gratitude for their lives abroad alongside sadness and nostalgia for traditions back home.”

She noted that having a limited support system or being unable to travel due to cost, work, or visa constraints can increase the risk of holiday blues. Common symptoms include low motivation, fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and reduced work performance.

Unresolved grief

Experts say the holiday season can also bring unresolved grief to the surface. “Holidays often trigger memories of past losses or difficult events due to family traditions, rituals, or reminders of people who are no longer present,” explained Maria. “This can temporarily resurface unresolved grief or trauma.”

Dr. Hanan said holidays act as powerful emotional cues. “Traditions, places, music, or foods associated with someone, or some unfortunate events can trigger waves of sadness, longing, or anger years after a loss,” she said. “The holiday period increases exposure to reminders and decreases distractions, which allows previously muted emotions to come to the surface. When grief or trauma has not been fully processed or integrated, this resurfacing can feel intense and contribute significantly to holiday blues.​”

She added that other psychological factors can contribute to holiday distress, including disappointment when reality falls short of idealised expectations, heightened self-reflection at year’s end, and increased awareness of family dynamics or emotional distance.

Coping mechanism

According to Maria, there are several ways to cope with the overwhelming feelings during this period. “Maintaining routines, practicing self-care, staying physically active, connecting with supportive people, limiting stressful triggers, and using mindfulness or relaxation techniques to reduce tension,” she said. “Plan ahead and set realistic expectations for yourself and others. Take breaks or step away from situations that feel overwhelming.”

Dr. Hanan cautioned that professional help should be sought if low mood persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by major changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, or persistent feelings of worthlessness.  “If someone finds that holiday distress returns every year at a similar time and increasingly disrupts life, an assessment for seasonal affective disorder or recurrent depression can be helpful,” she said. 

She concluded by urging people to define what matters most during the holiday season. “Clarifying priorities can guide decisions about what to accept, decline, or modify,” she said. “During family gatherings, planning breaks during events or taking out time in a quiet room can down‑regulate overwhelming emotions. For those spending holidays largely in isolation, creating a loose schedule for the day, activities that offer comfort or meaning, such as a favourite meal, time outdoors, volunteering, or online events can prevent the day from feeling like an endless empty space.”

Nasreen Abdulla

nasreen@khaleejtimes.com

Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.