Motherhood In The Midst: We Speak To Mothers In The Middle East As They Unite Against Adversity
Across the Middle East, mothers reflect on the power of matrescence, inherited wisdom, and the quiet strength that their children ignite in uncertain times
With one eye on official news sources, and the notification chimes of Slack, Teams and Trello forming a white noise chorus to our new normal, for many of us there was one collective voice that rose above the social media din during this week’s unrest. The WhatsApp groups of mums – school mums, café mums, swimming class mums, mums in all shapes, creeds and sizes – that served as a central line into the consciousness of motherhood across the Middle East in crisis.
“Did you hear that?” “How do I register” “Have you heard?” “Where can I find that?” “The children are scared” “Does anybody know…” was a refrain riffed on day and night in the first few days of this week’s conflict, connecting mothers by the strands that unite them all – love, strength, and a determination to shield. While such forums can – at times – feel overwhelming, they are undoubtedly the pulse of modern motherhood.
Bazaar Arabia has reached out to a clutch of notable mothers across the region who are tapped into this cultural heartbeat, to find out what has empowered and encouraged them during turbulent times.
Ruwaida Abela Northen, Columnist & CEO of J.R.N Consultancy
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
“Becoming a mother changes your relationship with uncertainty and strength almost overnight. Before children, challenges feel personal. After children, you realise you are someone’s shelter in the world. That instinct rewires you. Motherhood quietly teaches endurance, patience, and perspective. You learn that strength is not loud. Most of the time, it is simply the decision to keep going.”
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
”My four children have an incredible ability to ground me. Children live entirely in the present. They are not consumed by headlines or uncertainty. Their world revolves around laughter, curiosity, and affection. Even when the outside world feels heavy, life at home continues with homework, bedtime stories, and small arms wrapped around your neck. Those moments remind you that joy does not disappear in difficult times. It actually becomes more precious.”
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
“I understand that much more deeply now that I have children of my own: real strength is often invisible. It is the daily act of showing up, holding a family together, cooking them comforting meals, and believing in tomorrow even when the world feels uncertain. That belief becomes something mothers pass down almost instinctively. A kind of inherited courage.”
“You learn that strength is not loud. Most of the time, it is simply the decision to keep going.”
Ruwaida Abela Northen
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
“I hope they grow up with the same sense of possibility that this region has given so many of us. The Gulf has become a place where cultures intersect, where ambition is encouraged, and where the future is being actively built. What we want as mothers is very simple: a world where our children feel safe, curious, and confident enough to build something even better than what we inherited.
This is not just where we live. This is our chosen home. Today, more than ever, we stand with the UAE with faith in its leadership, confidence in its strength, and deep gratitude for the home it has given so many of us. This country has always stood tall in difficult moments, and it always will. Proud to call Dubai home. Nowhere else we would rather be.”
Olivia Phillips, Bazaar Arabia Editor at Large
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Matrescence changes you on every level – emotionally, psychologically, even physiologically – so your body quite literally unlocks another level of strength. It’s extraordinary – your intuition heightens, your resilience and endurance expand… you basically become part of the Marvel universe, just with more nappies. I often think about those stories of mothers somehow lifting car wreckage off their baby. That kind of superhuman instinct doesn’t appear from nowhere. It comes from the way motherhood expands you. Your capacity for love is so much bigger, so I think your capacity for strength just grows to meet it. Ultimately, I don’t even think it’s a choice – which is probably the most beautiful thing about it.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
Quite simply, just by being there. You can’t not smile when your children ask you if you’d like to eat a wiggly worm, or when they’re telling you – completely straight-faced – that the dragon in their book is called George Michael. Being around that kind of tiny absurdity and beautiful innocence is an instant reset. It’s also a reminder that they must be protected at all costs – not just my children, but all children, everywhere, and always.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My mum – who went through far worse and had to flee her homeland during the invasion in 1974 – has been characteristically (and kind of annoyingly) calm. She just kept saying, “You are strong. You have faith. I gave you both, so don’t dare forget them.” And then, in a separate side chat: “Just ignore your dad, darling. He’s just scaremongering. You know what he’s like.”
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
The generation we’re raising has every potential to better us tenfold; to be smarter, kinder, more empathetic, more courageous, more conscious… but that only happens if we lead by example. The Gulf has extraordinary opportunities laid out for the next generation – it’s a place built on ambition and possibility. But perhaps we should also be looking inside our own homes for the poisons we need to remove from young people. Social media is an obvious one. If we want a better generation, we have to raise them in a better environment – not just economically, but emotionally and intellectually too.
“The culture inside our homes shapes the future for everyone.”
Olivia Phillips
That’s why motherhood is inherently political: we are literally raising the future. Anyone who diminishes it as secondary work simply doesn’t understand how societies are built.
Misha Daud, Bazaar Arabia Columnist
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
“Nothing truly prepares you for motherhood. The moment you become a mother, your heart begins to live outside of your body. Your children become your walking heart, you become vulnerable in a way nothing else in life ever is. But something else happens too. Alongside the tenderness comes an instinct that is primal. You become fiercely protective. There is a quiet strength that emerges, the strength of a lioness protecting her cubs. Because of that, in difficult times, motherhood sharpens everything – your courage, your clarity, your sense of what truly matters. You realise very quickly that fear exists, but love is stronger and makes you stronger for them.”
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
”When the war began, I happened to be out of the country. In that moment, nothing mattered to me except getting home to my children. The only thing I could think about was being with them – even though they’re grown men, I just simply wanted to be under the same roof again. They told me not to get on a flight because they were worried for me. But nothing was going stop me from going home to them. Children have a way of grounding you. Even in moments of uncertainty, their presence reminds you of what life is really about. Their laughter, their innocence when younger, their sarcasm and ribbing and in general their normal routines, they bring joy that steadies the heart when the world feels uncertain.”
“Motherhood connects us in that way. It reminds us that across borders, politics, and conflict, a mother’s love is the same everywhere.”
Misha Daud
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
“I grew up without a mother, so I never had those traditional words of guidance growing up. But I remember the moment my first child was placed in my arms. It was a profound feeling, an immediate understanding that this was what I was made for. My children are my whole world. My family is my whole world. That is why the idea of someone else putting children in danger is something that feels almost unfathomable as a mother. And yet it also brings a painful awareness of the countless mothers who have endured unimaginable loss in places like Gaza. Motherhood connects us in that way. It reminds us that across borders, politics, and conflict, a mother’s love is the same everywhere.”
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
“My hope is that the values that define the Gulf remain deeply rooted in the generation we are raising: education, kindness, dignity and community. The people of the Gulf are not defined by violence or aggression. Our cultures have always valued peace, hospitality and respect. I hope that this horrible time ultimately brings people closer together; reminding us of the importance of unity, compassion and understanding. Because the future we are building is not only for ourselves, but for all our children who will inherit it.”
Hanan Haouachmi, Fashion Consultant
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
”Motherhood opens a new layer of strength within us. You become the emotional compass of your children’s world. Even when the outside feels uncertain, you learn to hold fear in one hand and calm in the other. Motherhood teaches you that courage can be very quiet. Sometimes it is simply the act of keeping your voice steady and creating a sense of safety around your children, even when your own heart is racing. In moments like these, you realise that resilience as a mother is often about protecting the emotional atmosphere of your home.”
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
”Children have this remarkable ability to adapt and to shift their focus very quickly. I remember the very first night when the alerts started. My daughter Lina woke up trembling and came into our bed. I actually shared that moment on my social media because it felt so raw. But what struck me is how quickly children adapt. Now, a few nights later, she almost tries to de-dramatise the situation herself. Sometimes we hear the sounds of missiles being intercepted, which can be quite impressive. My six year old still thinks it is thunder, and in a way I am happy to let him keep that innocence for as long as possible.
Children also have this incredible ability to redirect their attention. If you gently guide their focus toward something else, they move on much faster than we do as adults. So we try to turn those moments into moments of connection instead of tension. One night we ordered popcorn and turned it into a movie night. It sounds simple, but those little rituals matter. In those moments you realise that resilience sometimes looks like laughter over popcorn on the couch. Children mirror the energy around them, and if they feel calm and loved they find their way through things with a beautiful resilience.“
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have comforted you this week?
“My mother always placed faith at the center of everything. Even when certain things are difficult for me to understand, she reminded me that there is always a bigger plan and that God is the best of planners. In moments of uncertainty I return to that thought. Reminding myself of this allows me to find a place of acceptance. Whatever is meant to unfold will unfold. Trusting in that helps me quiet my mind and let go of the need to control what is beyond us. There is a certain peace in leaving things in God’s hands.”
“Children mirror the energy around them, and if they feel calm and loved they find their way through things with a beautiful resilience.“
Hanan Haouachmi
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
“The Gulf has become home for so many families who came here with the hope of building something meaningful. My hope is that the generation we are raising grows up in a region defined by stability, dialogue, and opportunity. Most of all, I hope they inherit a future where peace feels natural rather than fragile. Children should grow up dreaming about who they want to become, not worrying about the world around them. That is the future I hope we are building for them.”
Zeynab El-Helw, Founder of Reborn
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Matrescence changes you in ways you can never fully anticipate. Becoming a mother teaches you resilience almost overnight – your heart suddenly lives outside your body, and with that comes a deep sense of responsibility, patience, and strength you didn’t know you had. It makes you more grounded, more present, and more capable of holding calm even when the world feels uncertain. Motherhood prepares us for difficult moments because it teaches us how to lead with love, protect with courage, and keep moving forward even when fear exists.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
Children have an incredible way of bringing light into heavy moments. Watching them continue to laugh, play, and ask curious questions reminds me that hope always exists. My children ground me – they remind me to stay calm, to create safety, and to keep a sense of normality even when things feel uncertain. Their innocence and love bring so much strength. Holding them close reminds me what truly matters.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My mother always reminded me that faith and patience carry us through everything. She would often say that difficult moments are temporary, but the way we hold ourselves through them defines our character. This week I’ve thought a lot about that – about staying calm, staying compassionate, and trusting that better days come after the hardest nights.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
I hope the Gulf continues to grow as a place of peace, opportunity, and cultural pride. A region where our children feel safe, empowered, and inspired to dream big while staying connected to their traditions and values. I hope they grow up in a world where compassion, unity, and understanding are stronger than fear – and where this region continues to be a place that protects and nurtures the generations to come.
“Difficult moments are temporary, but the way we hold ourselves through them defines our character.”
Zeynab El-Helw
Soha Taha, Founder of By Siso
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
I feel like matrescence stretches you in ways you never imagined. This has strengthened my ability to stay calm, protect my family, and keep hope alive no matter how dark things seem. Becoming a mother is not just about having a baby, it’s a complete rebirth of the self.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
Oh my kids have been my anchor throughout this difficult time. Their need for me, their laughters and smiles in the middle of heavy news. They remind me to stay present instead of consumed by fear. Just by being their mother gives me a strength that no uncertainty can take away.
“We come from strong women, we already carry survival in our bones.”
Soha Taha
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My best friend told me something and I always find myself thinking about it. She said “we come from strong women, we already carry survival in our bones.” This reminds me that this courage isn’t new. It’s passed down.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
I hope the future of the Gulf is defined by peace, equality, unity and strength. I hope our children grow up in countries that continue to invest in education, and opportunity! I want them to look back and say this was the generation that chose growth over fear. Most of all, I hope they grow up proud. Proud of who they are, where they come from, and the future they’re building.
Firoza Timol, Founder of Super Stoma
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Matrescence strips away the illusion that we are in complete control of the world, replacing it with a quiet, fierce endurance. When our daughter faced severe medical difficulties shortly after birth, this led my husband and me to found Super Stoma – I went through a personal bootcamp in crisis management. You learn quickly that motherhood isn’t about preventing the storm, it is about being the shelter. When broader life challenges arise, such as the current situation, that instinct to adapt and protect is already honed, despite the trauma that may have preceded it. Trusting your judgement as a mother will always be a sanctuary for any challenge.
“Children absorb our energy, they don’t just need a safe world, they need a steady mother.”
Firoza Timol
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
At three years old, my daughter is incredibly perceptive (and a tad mischievous!). She senses when the energy shifts and will ask, “What is that big noise?” or “Why are there so many planes above?” My husband and I approach this as a unified team, gamifying our answers in a language she understands so her curiosity is met with safety, not fear.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My mother always reminded me that children absorb our energy, they don’t just need a safe world, they need a steady mother. Especially now, during the holy month of Ramadan, the emphasis on reflection, gratitude, and community has been comforting. There is an unspoken solidarity among the mothers here checking in on one another. It reminds me that while keeping our children calm can feel like a heavy responsibility, we don’t have to carry the emotional load alone.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
I hope for a Gulf defined by empathy, stability and opportunity. Through our advocacy work with Super Stoma and having helped multiple children, I’ve seen firsthand how beautifully this region can come together to support the vulnerable and embrace differences.
Natasha Faruque, Bazaar Arabia Acting Editor in Chief
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Isn’t navigating unknown waters what motherhood is all about? Dealing with the unexpected. Having to make important – often instantaneous – decisions. And knowing there are serious repercussions, not just for you but for those that depend on you.
“Not everyone may agree with the path you’ve chosen but you need to trust your instincts. And that’s what we are all doing now.”
Natasha Faruque
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
Having children forces you to put on a brave face and see every silver lining. We’ve tried to shelter ours as much as we can from what’s happening, and that helps us keep a sense of normalcy too.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My mum is an intensely spiritual optimist. I strive – and often fail – to deal with life with as much faith and gratefulness as she does.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
We have such a happy, privileged, multicultural life here – I hope they realise how lucky we are to call this part of the world home.
Lily Kandalaft, Founder of Malaak Mama & Baby Care
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Matrescence reshapes you emotionally, mentally, and physically. It forces you to expand your capacity for responsibility and uncertainty almost overnight. You become more adaptable, you learn to function on little sleep, you become more intuitive, and more decisive because someone else’s safety depends on you. In challenging times, whether conflict, instability, or personal pressure, that rewiring becomes strength. You learn to regulate your own fear so you can keep your children calm and although the fear never goes away, you realise that you are braver than you ever imagined.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
Children anchor you to the present. Even with missiles overhead and homeschooling schedules to manage, their curious questions or beautiful smiles interrupt fear. Their questions force honesty and courage, and their routines – reading, football, cuddles and even their bickering – creates stability when the world feels shaky. That normalcy is powerful.
Their trust also strengthens you. When they reach for your hand during uncertainty, you realise you are their sense of safety. That responsibility sharpens your courage.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My mother always said, “Children borrow their calm from you, so never let them see your fear.” That echoed loudly this week. Having lived through the Lebanon Civil War and the Gulf War she shielded us from feeling we were ever truly in danger, even when uncertainty surrounded us.
Her message was simple – control what you can, surrender what you cannot, and trust that God’s plan unfolds with wisdom beyond our understanding. Her faith wasn’t denial – it was discipline, and that steadiness became a deep source of comfort for me this week.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
“The Gulf has long built its reputation on innovation, ambition, and diplomacy rather than conflict.”
Lily Kandalaft
Cities like Dubai, have become symbols of possibility – bridging East and West, investing in education, technology, and coexistence. I hope our children inherit a Gulf (and world) that prioritises knowledge, cooperation, empathy, kindness and cultural understanding over division. May they feel secure enough to dream boldly and connected enough to care across borders. If they grow up resilient yet compassionate, that would be deeply comforting for us all.
Salma Abu Deif, Actress & Model
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
After being a mother, I think my brain has rewired differently, especially when it comes to human flight mode survival. You become less reckless and more aware of your surroundings, putting your child’s safety first and then the rest of the entire world comes second. Being a mother opens new doors in my heart, making me more empathetic, especially toward other mothers and women.
I now understand more what women might go through without even sharing it verbally. It becomes more of a universal instinct and connection. I always say that mothers are always right no matter what. They have a strong sixth sense.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
Children are beings sent straight from heaven and they only bring joy. Sharing the journey of raising a child is not the easiest, and the freedom you once had as a single person is never quite the same once you become a parent. It teaches you more about the beautiful and pure instincts of human beings. I also discover new things about myself and my partner.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
“I wish for a peaceful future, without conflict in the world – where children only hear about wars in books, and not on the ground.”
Salma Abu Deif
I hope they will always stay connected to our beautiful Arab roots. I hope they will make our region a better place, that themselves and their grandchildren will be proud of.
Maram Zbaeda Maalouf, Content Creator
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Becoming a mother changes the way you see the world. You become more patient, more grounded, and you learn to focus on what truly matters. When you have little ones depending on you, you naturally find strength you didn’t know you had. Even in uncertain times, motherhood pushes you to stay calm, practical, and present for your children. As a mother to a baby and a toddler, there’s rarely space to pause or dwell on fear. They need you in the moment. In many ways, that constant need for presence helps you move forward with resilience.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
Having a baby and a toddler at home means life is always full of little moments that bring you back to the present. Their laughter, their curiosity, even the simple routines of feeding, playing, and bedtime remind me that life continues and that our role as parents is to keep their world feeling safe and loving. Just the other day my toddler was laughing uncontrollably over something so small, and my baby was smiling back at him, and for a moment everything else felt far away. Those simple, ordinary moments are actually what give you the most strength.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My mother has always reminded me that in difficult moments, the most important thing a child needs is a calm and reassuring parent.
“Children take their cues from us, so if we stay grounded and positive, it helps them feel secure as well.”
Maram Zbaeda Maalouf
That perspective has stayed with me this week. I’ve found myself remembering that advice in small everyday moments, like holding my baby or sitting with my toddler during bedtime. Reminding myself that our calm is what creates their sense of safety.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
I hope the future of the Gulf continues to be one of stability, opportunity, and openness. It’s a region that has given many families, including mine, a place to grow and build a life. As a mother, you naturally think about the world your children will inherit, and my hope is that they grow up in a region that continues to value community, ambition, and peace, where the next generation feels safe to dream and build their futures.
Karen Wazen Bakhazi, Content Creator & Founder of Karen Wazen Collection
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Becoming a mother changes you in ways that are difficult to fully articulate until you experience it. It expands your capacity for love, but also for resilience. Matrescence teaches you that life is no longer only about you, it becomes about protecting, nurturing, and guiding another human being through the world. In challenging moments, that perspective becomes incredibly grounding. Even when things feel uncertain, your children are watching how you respond. Motherhood teaches you to find strength you didn’t know you had, because you understand that your calm, your hope, and your ability to carry on becomes their sense of security.
Becoming a mother makes you far more aware of the struggles of other mothers around the world. I cannot help but think of the women today forced to flee their homes in search of safety for their children.
“While I feel deeply grateful to have a roof over my head and a safe place for my family, I know many mothers are facing unimaginable circumstances right now.”
Karen Wazen Bakhazi
The thought of them having to remain strong for their children while navigating fear and uncertainty is something that truly breaks my heart.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
During this period, we’ve actually all been sharing a room together, it has brought us a sense of comfort and unity. There’s something very grounding about being close together as a family. Even in uncertain moments, that closeness reminds us of what truly matters. As a Lebanese woman, I grew up hearing stories from my parents about how they tried to protect us from the realities of difficult times, wars and conflict. It’s a strange and somewhat sad feeling to have found myself doing the same for my own children.
You suddenly understand your parents in a completely different way, and you realise how universal that instinct is, the instinct of a parent to shield their child from fear while quietly navigating it yourself. My children, in many ways, remind me to hold on to hope. They bring light into moments that could feel very heavy.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My mother has always reminded me that strength doesn’t always mean being fearless, sometimes it simply means continuing with grace and faith even when things feel uncertain. Growing up, she taught me that difficult moments are part of life, but they are also the moments that reveal our character and our ability to support one another. That message has stayed with me, especially now, and it reminds me to lead with empathy, patience, and hope.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
I hope the future of the Gulf continues to be one built on openness, opportunity, and coexistence. It’s a region that has shown incredible growth and ambition, but what I hope most for our children is that they grow up in a place defined by stability, compassion, and understanding.
“Living in the Gulf, we feel deeply grateful for the stability and sense of safety that exists here.”
Karen Wazen Bakhazi
At the same time, as a Lebanese woman, I carry a very heavy heart watching what is happening in my home country. It creates a constant navigation of emotions, feeling protected where we are, while still feeling deeply unsettled for the people and families back home.
My hope is that the next generation grows up in a region that continues to champion peace, tolerance, and opportunity, and that the world they inherit is ultimately more stable and compassionate than the one we sometimes struggle through today.
Nadya Hasan, Fashion Blogger
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Matrescence changes the way you experience the world. Becoming a mother brings a deeper sense of responsibility but also a kind of quiet strength you didn’t know you had before. You become more resilient, more patient, and more focused on what truly matters. When you have a child, you instinctively learn to create stability even when the world around you feels uncertain. That transformation prepares you to face difficult moments with a calmness and clarity that comes from knowing someone else depends on you.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
My son is still so young that he doesn’t understand what is happening around him, and in many ways that innocence is a gift. It reminds me to focus on the present moment and the small joys of everyday life. We’ve tried to keep his world as normal as possible, like going to the park, spending time at the beach, visiting play areas and seeing his happiness in those simple moments brings so much comfort and perspective.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
One piece of wisdom I often hear from the mothers around me is that children take their sense of security from their parents. If we remain calm and grounded, they feel safe. That thought has stayed with me – it’s a reminder that our role as mothers is not only to protect our children, but also to create an atmosphere of reassurance and stability within our homes.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
I truly believe the UAE and the Gulf are among the safest and most supportive places to raise children, and I feel deeply grateful that Adam is growing up here. I have no doubt that the region will come out of this stronger, more peaceful, and full of opportunity for the next generation. At the same time, this period has also been heartbreaking to witness, seeing mothers stranded abroad and unable to return to their children. As a mother myself, I cannot imagine being separated from my son and not knowing when I would be able to hold him again.
Moments like that remind you how precious family is, and how important stability and security are for the families raising the next generation of this region.
Nadya Hasan
Dr. Saliha Afridi, Clinical Psychologist & Founder of The LightHouse Arabia
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Motherhood teaches you very quickly that you can do everything in your power – prepare, plan, guide, protect – but in the end, if you do your duty as a mother, you are raising and individual who is not an extension of you but rather a whole individual being with their own spirit, their own dreams, and their own path in the world.
Motherhood also reveals reserves within you that you did not know existed. It is almost as if mothers gain access to a second set of resources – reserves of energy, patience, love, sacrifice, and endurance. The ability to show up, give, and continue caring even when you felt like you had nothing to give.
Motherhood, matrescence, I am realising is also a capacity that gets cultivated over time. Sure it is a biological event, but it is a psychological one that is ongoing. You don’t just become a mother at birth, you keep becoming with every age and stage more or different will be asked of you.
Being a mother is not about control, but stewarding another life that does not belong to you. And in that sense, this capacity has taught me to move with whatever life brings my way – to not grasp or cling to anything, but to keep saying ‘yes’ to moving forwards.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
My children are a source of strength, joy AND anxiety and vulnerability. Motherhood heightens everything I feel. Not just during difficult times, but always. Of course during difficult times those feelings are intensified and heightened. We are raising children in a world marked by unprecedented events, fragile institutions, and a future that can sometimes feel uncertain. But I’ve learned that where I place my attention matters. If I stay close to the present moment, I see curiosity, humor, love, and the ordinary beauty of life unfolding. If I move too far into my head and into the future, then the “what ifs” begin to appear.
The practice of motherhood is staying grounded in what is, rather than getting lost in what if.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
Doubt is not the absence of faith. Often, it is the place where faith is most deeply exercised. In uncertain times, it is natural to feel doubt. Our aim is not to eliminate it, but to hold the doubt while leaning into faith-faith in something larger than ourselves, faith in our values, faith in the possibility that we will find our way forward. I hold on to this.
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
My hope for the future of the Gulf and for the generation we are raising, is that we never forget who we are. That we remain rooted in our culture, our traditions, our values, and our deep sense of community. That we remember our responsibility toward one another. Our story, our history is mostly written by those outside of a culture, and the global media has distorted so much about our people and our region.
“So I say to my children and to all those committed to the future of our region, it is our responsibility to create, write, speak, and hold onto our own narratives-to know who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for.”
Dr. Saliha Afridi
We have to tell that story and in order to do that, we need to really go back to our roots and to know and understand our story in our language, in the way our ancestors and our elders told it.
If the next generation grows up grounded in that sense of identity and responsibility toward each other, then the future of this region will remain strong.
Balqees Fathi, Singer, Actress & Founder of Bex Beauty
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Becoming a mother taught me patience, resilience, and a different perspective on life. As a mother, you discover a strength you didn’t know you had, because love for your child pushes you to keep going even in difficult times. It reminds you of what truly matters and gives you the courage to face any challenge.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
My son brings me so much light and perspective. Children have this beautiful ability to remind you of the simple joys in life. Even during difficult times, his laughter, curiosity, and love give me strength and keep my heart grounded. Being his mother is one of the greatest sources of joy in my life.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
My mother always reminds me that strength is not about never feeling afraid, but about continuing with faith and patience. Her words stay with me, especially in challenging moments.
“I’m also constantly inspired by the quiet strength of mothers everywhere, the way they carry love, resilience, and hope for their families every day.”
Balqees Fathi
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
I hope the future of the Gulf will be one where the next generation grows up proud of their identity, confident in their voices, and surrounded by opportunity. A future that continues to honour our traditions while embracing creativity, culture, and progress. Most importantly, I hope our children grow up in a region that values unity, compassion, and peace.
Yulia Fedorishina, Founder of Ribambelle
How do you think matrescence – the transformation of becoming a mother – prepares us for surviving challenging times?
Matrescence changes the way you see the world. Becoming a mother deepens your sense of responsibility, but it also expands your resilience. You become more adaptable, more intuitive, and more focused on what truly matters. In moments of uncertainty, motherhood reminds you that your children are looking to you for calm and reassurance. Motherhood teaches you to hold space for fear while still leading with hope, which is a powerful strength during difficult times.
How have your children brought you strength or joy during this difficult period?
Children have an incredible way of grounding us in the present moment. Even during stressful periods, children remind us to laugh, to play, and to appreciate small, simple joys. Seeing their curiosity and innocence gives me strength because it reminds me what we are protecting and working towards. Their ability to find happiness in everyday moments brings light, even when the world feels heavy.
Are there any words of strength or wisdom from your own mother, or other mothers in your life, that have emboldened or comforted you this week?
One thing my mother always reminded me is that strength doesn’t always look loud or dramatic, sometimes it’s simply showing up with kindness, patience, and steadiness. This week I’ve been deeply inspired by the community of mothers around me. Watching women share advice, check in on each other, and offer support, both online and in person, has been incredibly powerful.
“It’s a reminder that motherhood is never meant to be navigated alone.”
Yulia Fedorishina
What do you hope the future of the Gulf will look like for the generation we are raising?
I hope the future of the Gulf continues to be vibrant, thriving, and full of opportunity for the next generation. This region has already shown such incredible growth, vision, and openness, and I believe our children will grow up in a place that continues to lead with innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange. My hope is that they inherit a Gulf that is not only prosperous, but also deeply connected through community, compassion, and shared progress. Where families feel safe, inspired, and proud to call it home.
Imagery Supplied
Lead Image Credits: Photography by Sam Rawadi. Styling by Nour Bou Ezz. Make-Up: Manuel Losada. Hair: Sebastian Iskander. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Lighting Assistant: Scar Salario. Fashion Assistant: Dalia Redai. Salma wears: Striped Silk Blouse; Silk Jacquard Skirt; Folio Earrings; Sophia wears: Baby Set, POA, all Fendi