Iranian Expats in U.A.E. Caught Between Home and Homeland

When the U.S. and Israel went to war with Iran, Iran retaliated with airstrikes on Washington’s Gulf Arab allies, including the United Arab Emirates. Iranian expatriates in the country abruptly found themselves in a very uncomfortable position.

“Suddenly to have our home here under attack from our homeland, it’s a surreal experience,” said Reza Namazi, an Iranian who moved to Dubai with his family 20 years ago. “Where do your loyalties lie at a time like this? One hundred percent your home,” he added.

Over generations, hundreds of thousands of Iranian immigrants have made the Emirates their home, forming a community that has grown, prospered and woven its influence into Dubai’s souks, trade and arts scene.

Mr. Namazi said he has various businesses in Dubai including a restaurant he opened three years ago called Iranish, meant to evoke the meals that one might eat at their Persian grandmother’s home.

The sense of home that Iranians have felt in their adopted country was further shattered when the Emirati government began revoking the visas and residency permits of some Iranian expatriates.

Mr. Namazi said one of his relatives was in Spain vacationing with his family for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when he found out his wife’s Emirati visa had been canceled. That left the family stranded abroad.