Migrant workers in Dubai face numerous challenges, from financial struggles to isolation and extended work hours. In an effort to offer relief, a stress-management class provides them with a temporary reprieve from these difficulties.
Laxmi Parekh, who has spent the last two years conducting mental health workshops tailored for Dubai’s migrant worker community, has recently adapted her curriculum to address the ongoing regional conflict.
On a recent Sunday, under dim tube lights in a Dubai housing compound cafeteria, Parekh engaged a group of various tradespeople, including painters, carpenters, and electricians, in a session about managing stress. She initiated the discussion with a question, “Who knows what’s been going on here for the past 43 days?” A participant promptly responded, “War situation,” highlighting the heightened tension since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began on February 28.
The UAE has experienced more missile and drone attacks from Iran than any other nation involved, according to the UAE’s defense ministry. These attacks have resulted in at least ten deaths and injuries to 230 people, predominantly migrant workers like those attending the workshop.
Through her volunteer work with SmartLife, a nonprofit organization, Parekh has organized weekly mental health sessions across various dormitories for migrant workers. Beyond these workshops, SmartLife also offers English-speaking lessons, mentorship programs, and recreational activities, largely funded by the workers’ employers and money transfer companies.
In March, as the regional tensions escalated, Parekh modified her workshops to incorporate discussions on the conflict, acknowledging its impact on workers. She directly addressed the group, asking them how many felt afraid.