Author gives unique perspective on ‘Home, Identity, Belonging in the UAE’

The UAE presents a rare opportunity to rewrite our stories, free from others' labels, and embrace a future defined by our own terms. Bosnian-born author Nadina Ronc stated this while talking to Gulf Today. Her memoir "Daughters of Dissidents Need Not Apply" was recently published by The Dreamwork Collective in the UAE.

- Jamil Khan

While reflecting on her thoughts on home and belonging, she said, “As a refugee, I struggled with questions of identity, feeling torn between my Bosnian heritage and a British society that never fully embraced me. For many, searching for a home may never reach a definitive conclusion. But in this ongoing quest, we understand that belonging is not a destination but a journey. It's found in the quiet moments of connection: a shared conversation with a colleague, the comfort of a familiar accent, or the joy of seeing a neighbourhood that feels like ‘home’.”

The UAE's population totals 9.36 million, with 8.84 million immigrants. Dubai is home to 3.6 million people, 75% of whom are foreign-born. All this raises complex questions about identity, belonging, and the elusive concept of home in a transient world.