“The things that make me different are the things that make me.” — Winnie the Pooh
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. For many families living here, raising children means navigating multiple cultures, languages, and value systems at the same time. Children who grow up in this way are often referred to as Third Culture Kids (TCKs).
A Third Culture Kid is a child who has spent a significant part of their developmental years outside their parents’ culture. Rather than belonging fully to one cultural context, TCKs often build connections to several. While elements from each culture may be integrated into their identity, their strongest sense of belonging is often with others who share a similar cross-cultural upbringing (Pollock et al., 2017).
The UAE offers a particularly unique environment for Third Culture Kids. Most attend international schools and grow up surrounded by peers from many different nationalities. From an early age, they learn to move between cultural expectations at home, at school, and in the wider community. This daily exposure to cultural diversity often fosters adaptability, empathy, and openness.
At the same time, life in a highly mobile and transient setting can shape how children experience belonging. Frequent transitions, changes in friendships, and uncertainty around long-term residence can sometimes leave children feeling unsettled or unsure of where “home” truly is. These experiences may influence how children think about identity, attachment, and relationships.
For many TCKs, identity becomes layered rather than singular — shaped by multiple cultures, languages, and experiences. This flexibility can be a strength, but it also highlights the importance of emotional understanding and support. When parents and caregivers recognise the complexity of growing up between cultures, children are better able to develop a grounded and confident sense of self.
In a country as diverse as the UAE, understanding the inner world of Third Culture Kids is essential. By acknowledging both the strengths and the challenges of this upbringing, we can better support children in embracing the very differences that make them who they are.
References
Pollock, D. C., Van Reken, R. E., & Pollock, M. V. (2017). Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds (3rd ed.). Nicholas Brealey.
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2020). International migrant stock.
Government of Dubai. (n.d.). Population and demographic statistics.
