Moroccan diaspora in UAE, Qatar adopts ‘careful normalcy’ during tensions

As military escalation between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other reverberates across the Gulf, members of Morocco’s diaspora say they are striking a careful balance between vigilance and maintaining daily routines.

In interviews with Hespress AR, Moroccans living in Gulf countries described a “measured normalcy” shaped by awareness of regional risks but grounded in confidence in local security and institutional preparedness.

Many cited steady communication from host governments and outreach from Moroccan diplomatic missions as key factors in maintaining a sense of reassurance.

Reassurance and monitoring

Ahmed Mellouli, coordinator of the group “Moroccans in the UAE,” said stability remains a primary concern for expatriates but emphasized that daily life in the United Arab Emirates has not experienced negative disruptions.

“The community is following developments closely and with awareness,” Mellouli told Hespress AR. He praised what he described as the UAE’s strong institutional readiness and entrenched security stability, which he said sends “clear messages of reassurance to citizens and residents alike.”

He added that professional and family responsibilities continue uninterrupted and highlighted growing awareness within the community about avoiding rumors and relying solely on official sources for information.

Mellouli also welcomed an initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, which established a centralized crisis cell and provided direct contact numbers for Moroccan embassies and consulates in the Gulf.

“The psychological and moral impact of this step has been significant,” he said, noting it strengthened the feeling that Morocco is closely monitoring the situation of its nationals abroad, in line with the directives of Mohammed VI.

“We feel a dual sense of calm, reassurance in our second home, the UAE, and reassurance that our homeland maintains open channels of communication with us in all circumstances,” Mellouli said.

‘Cautious adaptation’ in Qatar

In Qatar, Nesima Babssa, a young Moroccan resident, described the atmosphere as one of “cautious adaptation” amid intensifying geopolitical tensions.

“The first days of escalation brought a noticeable shift in daily life,” she said, referring to the sight of missiles crossing the sky and explosions echoing multiple times a day, particularly in the early morning or near midnight.

Residents reduced outings, and many workplaces shifted to remote operations, except for essential on-site roles, she said. Despite initial anxiety, Babssa stressed that a general sense of safety persists.

“When I go out for professional duties, I do not feel a direct threat or imminent fear of missile strikes,” she said, adding that authorities appear to have the situation under control.

Babssa said she has not felt the need to contact the Moroccan Embassy’s emergency lines, noting that conditions do not currently warrant exceptional measures for residents accustomed to the region’s dynamics.

With airspace closures affecting flights, logistical challenges have emerged. She said Qatar Airways has offered travelers options including refunds or rebooking. Some residents needing to leave have opted for overland travel through Saudi Arabia after securing electronic visas.

Babssa recalled previous episodes of regional tension, including Iranian strikes on U.S. bases and Israeli air raids near her residential area. While such experiences have fostered a degree of adaptation, she expressed hope for diplomatic intervention.

“We all hope this military conflict ends soon,” she said. “I expect this round to conclude with Gulf mediation led by Qatar and Oman. A diplomatic solution is what we are waiting for to return to normal life, and eventually to our families in Morocco.”

In a preemptive move, the Moroccan Embassy in Doha announced dedicated phone numbers and electronic communication channels for Moroccan nationals residing in Qatar, aiming to provide immediate support and respond to inquiries amid the evolving situation.