Abstract
Dubai's diverse and dynamic environment, accommodating expats from over 200 nationalities, provides a distinctive context in which expat adolescents navigate questions of identity, belonging, adaptation, and emotional wellbeing. As a major global hub with a predominantly expat population, understanding the lived experiences of expat adolescents and the impact on wellbeing in this setting is essential for informing effective academic, social, and policy initiatives. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this qualitative research involved semi-structured interviews with ten expat adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. Participants offered detailed insights into their adjustment to life in Dubai, the development of their cultural identities, social integration within private schools, and how these factors impact their overall wellbeing. The study is grounded in Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, Seligman’s PERMAH wellbeing model, and Heidegger’s existential phenomenology, providing a comprehensive theoretical framework that contextualises adolescent experiences within developmental and existential perspectives. Emerging themes from the data include the challenges associated with relocation and adaptation, the negotiation of cultural identity, experiences of inclusion and exclusion, and the influence of family, educational institutions, and community on wellbeing. The findings emphasise the importance of meaningful friendships, psychological safety, personal growth and physical safety as essential elements of healthy expat adolescent development. This study offers valuable insights for educators, school counsellors, policymakers, and community stakeholders, aligning with Dubai’s strategic objectives outlined by the Ministry of Happiness and the Ministry of Tolerance. Additionally, it contributes to the limited existing literature on expat adolescents in the UAE and the Middle East and offers practical recommendations for fostering inclusive, developmentally responsive environments that support the successful integration and personal growth of expat adolescents in diverse urban contexts.