The last 12 months have been hectic and momentous across the Middle East, the impact of which has been felt by UAE citizens and residents alike.
Conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and political upheaval in Syria have caused deep concern, particularly among those fearing for loved ones who still reside in these conflict zones, but New Year's Eve brought hope for many in the Emirates that 2025 could be the year we see peace and resolution in the region.
From dreaming of returning home after decades abroad, to cautious optimism about calls for peace and prosperity in the region, UAE residents spoke to The National about their aspirations for the year ahead.
Returning to Syria
Yusra Abu Hamed, a former doctor with Emirates Health Services who lives in Fujairah, shared her heartfelt reflections on Syria, a country she has not visited since October 2010, but also her belief that the new year could be the year she returns to her homeland.
"I haven’t been to Syria since October 20, 2010. I had lost hope of returning to my homeland, seeing my family and friends, and reconnecting with the place where I grew up," she told The National. "[But] I have started planning to return to Syria, to live with my family, continue my professional journey, and serve my country to the best of my ability."
"This newfound hope has reinvigorated my dreams for the future," she added. "I hope the next year will mark the beginning of a new chapter for my beloved Syria. Just as this year ended with news that revived people's hope, including my own, I pray that the new year brings continued optimism."
Dr Abu Hamed added that she dreams of seeing "true stability in Syria", with its institutions returning to full operation and "children feeling secure about a brighter future".
Praying for peace
For Farah Abu Saleh, a Dubai resident from Palestine, 2024 was a whirlwind of emotions. "We've been blessed this year with a baby boy. I think that's the biggest blessing we've had, but at the same time it's been quite challenging," she said.
Looking ahead to 2025, her thoughts are centred on peace in the Middle East and setting a good example for her infant son.
"I think externally, our prayers are for peace in the region. Internally it is just to be a better version of ourselves, including being better role models for our baby," she added.
"There is a lot of instability going on [in the region] and I think we remain very hopeful that what the New Year brings can only be better than the previous year. So inshallah, I think hopefully upwards from here."
Fathi Abu Seedo, also Palestinian, echoed Ms Abu Saleh's sentiments as he looked to 2025 with a heart full of hope and prayers for his family in Gaza. Speaking with a mix of longing and resilience, he expressed his deepest wish to be reunited with his loved ones.
"My biggest hope is to hug my children again and to see them safe, smiling, and living in peace," he said. Reflecting on the struggles they have faced for over a year, including constant bombardment, displacement, a lack of electricity, clean water, food, and now warmth, he added: "I pray for relief and mercy, not just for my family but for all the people of Gaza, who deserve a life of dignity."
He also hoped for greater awareness and solidarity from the global community in the coming year. "The suffering in Gaza has surpassed what words can describe. I wish the world would truly see our pain and act to bring justice and peace," he said.
Despite his heartbreak, he remains steadfast in his belief that better days will come. "I will continue to pray for their safety and for the strength to keep going until we are together again," Mr Abu Seedo added.
Keeping faith in the ceasefire
For Marielyze Abidaoud, a Sharjah resident from Lebanon, her main hope is for the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah to hold in 2025.
"I hope the ceasefire stays the same because I can see my family members celebrating in Beirut," she said. "What I love about Lebanese people is how they adjust to situations. You can see us going through war but they also found and made solutions to survive."
"I hope for peace, it’s about time we have peace. It’s the 21st century and yet people cannot understand one another," she added. “I hope for health, success, peace across the world and my country. I wish for peace for my people and for economic stability. I wish Lebanese people and my family in Lebanon good health and serenity in 2025."
A day for optimism
For many residents, New Year's Eve offered a chance to have fun and look forward to the year to come.
Bassant Fathi, from Egypt, attended the celebrations in Dubai's Town Square alongside her husband, children, and friends.
"I came here to enjoy the day with my kids. The last few years we went to Burj Khalifa and we enjoyed it there, but we need to discover other places here," she said.
"I hope to see my kids in good positions and have nice days and see my husband in very healthy days. I don’t have too many hopes, but I want to have better achievements in life.
”I wish for people [in the region] to live in peace, we are very sad for them for sure. We are also suffering for them. I hope they really feel free."
Celebrations in the Emirates
With revellers arriving in droves, Dubai employed a comprehensive New Year's Eve action plan to help ring in 2025 safely, including road closures, extended Metro timings and thousands of emergency service workers on hand.
More than 8,500 police officers, nearly 1,100 firefighters and close to 600 first responders from the ambulance service were positioned at 44 firework displays and other live shows taking place in 36 areas across the emirate.
