Parenting Third Culture Kids: The Challenges of Raising TCKs in the Middle East- Advices from African Parents in the UAE
Raising children in a foreign country comes with its own set of unique challenges and rewards. For African parents in the UAE, navigating cultural differences while instilling a strong sense of heritage in their children requires intentionality and adaptability. In this feature, we hear from two African families who share their experiences, insights, and advice on raising third-culture kids in a multicultural environment.
YOWOME WILLIAMS
What brought you to the UAE, and how long have you been raising your children here?
I moved to the UAE in August 2015 with my husband when he got a job here. My child has practically grown up here his entire life (except the times we travel out). 
How many lovely children do you have?
We have a seven-year-old energetic son who keeps us on our feet.
Did you have your son before you moved to the UAE? If there has been any challenges or culture shock that you’ve experienced, please share how you have handled them.
I didn’t, but I have still experienced culture shock with respect to the different parenting styles I come across within the UAE. I find that learning about the diverse cultures represented in the UAE has helped me to understand and be more tolerant of these differences. Also, being grounded in my African roots allows me to remain steadfast in my parenting journey despite all the other influences.
How do you ensure your children stay connected to their African roots while growing up in a multicultural environment?
“The baobab’s strength is in its roots.” This African proverb emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in building a robust sense of self. Because I want my son to develop a strong cultural identity, I am very intentional about exposing him to African culture—from food to music, fashion, cultural events, films, customs, and language. I make sure to talk about Africa in a positive light, and when I highlight challenges within the continent, I do so from a problem-solving perspective. Since my son was a baby, we have been reading African-themed books where he is represented in terms of race, ethnicity, traditions, and values. We learn about African history through books, documentaries, and museum visits. His dad and I speak two different African languages, which poses a challenge regarding a universal African language at home, but he takes online Yoruba lessons. We explore Africa and immerse ourselves in its cultures—so far, we have visited eight African countries. I basically breathe Africa into him!
Do your children identify more with their African heritage, the UAE culture, or a mix of both? How do you navigate this balance?
My son is a full-fledged descendant of the African soil. He identifies strongly with both his Nigerian and Ghanaian roots. Even though he also enjoys other cultures, he is proud to be African and wears his heritage as a badge of honor.
What advice would you give to new African parents moving to the UAE with young children or those who plan to raise kids here?
Firstly, be proud to be African and model that pride to your children. Let your parenting be grounded in the values and principles of African culture while embracing aspects of globalization that align with your values. Be intentional about incorporating African culture into your everyday life. Let your children know that being African is an honor—not a burden, curse, or punishment!
Instagram: @yowomewilliams / @learningdiariesgh
JOAN MWENDE KINUS & DANIEL
What brought you to the UAE, and how long have you been raising your children here?
Joan: Our journey to the UAE was primarily driven by my work opportunity. I was presented with a chance to expand my career, and we felt it would be a great move for our family. Our firstborn came during the challenging times of COVID-19 in January 2021, and our daughter was born in September 2022. We’ve been raising our children in the UAE ever since.
Daniel: Yes, Joan’s work brought us here, and it has been a rewarding experience. The UAE offered a unique environment that we felt would help our family grow, both personally and professionally. We’ve been blessed to raise our children here and watch them grow in a very diverse setting.
How many lovely children do you have?
We have two beautiful children: our son is 4 years old, and our daughter is 2 years old. They bring us so much joy every day.
If you had your children in another country and moved to the UAE with them, please highlight any challenges, culture shock you’ve experienced, if any. How have you handled them?
We had our children here in the UAE, so we didn’t experience the challenge of moving with kids from another country. However, navigating the complexities of raising children in a foreign land while maintaining strong cultural ties to Africa has been a journey in itself.
How do you ensure your children stay connected to their African roots while growing up in a multicultural environment?
Joan: We are very intentional about keeping our African roots alive for our children. We actively engage with a community of African families here, where our children interact with other kids from the continent. We meet almost every week, ensuring they see African culture in action. We also visit home at least once a year so they can spend time with relatives and connect with their heritage. Additionally, we host families from home, which helps them stay grounded in their roots.
Daniel: I couldn’t agree more. It’s important for our children to see their heritage in action. We try to surround them with the African community, and traveling home ensures they don’t miss out on experiencing the vibrancy of our traditions. It’s all about striking a balance between the multiculturalism of the UAE and the rich culture we want them to know and cherish.
Do your children identify more with their African heritage, the UAE culture, or a mix of both? How do you navigate this balance?
Joan: I would say it’s a mix of both. Our children are third-culture kids, growing up in a space where African, Middle Eastern, and global cultures intersect. We expose them to African food, music, and stories while also embracing the diverse experiences the UAE offers. We want them to grow into well-rounded individuals who appreciate and respect different cultures.
Daniel: It’s a delicate balance. They are definitely third-culture kids. They take pride in their African roots but are also becoming accustomed to the multicultural nature of the UAE. We encourage them to be proud of both their African heritage and their experiences in the UAE, as this will shape who they are.
What advice would you give to new African parents moving to the UAE with young children or those who plan to raise kids here?
Joan: Don’t overthink it. Things will fall into place as long as you stay true to your values and stay connected with your roots. Build a community, stay connected to family, and be patient with yourself.
Daniel: Stay grounded in your beliefs while being open to the world around you. Raising kids in the UAE is a unique experience, but it’s all about balance. Your children will grow up resilient and adaptable because of the experiences they have here.
Instagram: @mwende_kinus
LinkedIn: Joan Mwende Kinus
CHIYEDZA MUYARUKA
What brought you to the UAE, and how long have you been raising your children here?
I moved to the UAE 12 years ago for career opportunities and to explore the thriving culinary scene. Over the years, the UAE has become home, and I’ve been raising my child here, watching them grow in this dynamic, multicultural environment.
How many lovely children do you have?
I have 1 lovely beautiful child. Watching her grow up in such a diverse society has been an enriching experience for both her and me as a parent.
If you had your child in another country and moved to the UAE with her, please highlight any challenges, culture shock you’ve experienced, if any.
My child was born in the UAE, and some cultural adjustments were made mainly for me, to raise her here, but it has been good. One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to the school system and finding the right balance between our home values and the diverse cultural influences they encounter daily. The UAE is a melting pot of cultures, and while this exposure is amazing, it also means parents need to be intentional about reinforcing their own traditions and values at home, which I had to be very strict about to circles we are involved in. To handle this, I’ve made it a priority to keep communication open, encourage discussions about different cultural experiences, and ensure they understand and appreciate both her African heritage (Zimbabwean and Nigerian strong heritage) and the UAE’s diverse culture.
How do you ensure your child stays connected to her African roots while growing up in a multicultural environment?
Keeping her connected to their African roots is very important to me. Some ways I do this include:
- Food & traditions: Cooking traditional meals at home and sharing stories about the significance of certain dishes.
- Language: Encouraging her to learn and use words from our native language.
- Music & storytelling: Playing African music, watching cultural movies, and telling them folk tales that I grew up with.
- Trips back home: Whenever possible, we visit family in Zimbabwe and Nigeria so they can experience life there firsthand.
- Community engagement: Connecting with other African families in the UAE to celebrate important cultural events and festivals.
Does your child identify more with their African heritage, the UAE culture, or a mix of both?
How do you navigate this balance? It’s definitely a mix of both. She embraces her African heritage at home, but she is also influenced by the UAE’s culture and the many different nationalities they interact with at school. I encourage this balance by allowing her to explore different cultures while reminding her of their roots and Christianity . It’s about finding harmony helping her feel proud of where she comes from while also adapting to her surroundings. I make sure she understands that she doesn’t have to choose one identity over the other; she can embrace both.
What advice would you give to new African parents moving to the UAE with young children or those who plan to raise kids here?
- Stay connected to your beliefs and culture: Even though your children are growing up in a different environment, be intentional about keeping your traditions alive at home.
- Find a supportive community: There are many African families in the UAE connecting with them can provide a sense of belonging for both you and your children.
- Choose the right school: Look for a school that values diversity and inclusivity while also providing a strong academic and moral foundation.
- Embrace the multicultural experience: Your children will be exposed to various cultures; use this as an opportunity to teach them about respect, open-mindedness, and global citizenship.
- Create lasting memories: Whether through food, travel, or family traditions, make sure your children have strong cultural memories that will stay with them wherever they go. For African parents moving to or raising kids in the UAE, my advice is simple: celebrate your heritage, embrace diversity, and create a home environment where both can coexist beautifully.
Instagram: @cheddachi
Raising third-culture kids in the UAE requires a thoughtful balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing a multicultural upbringing. These African parents show that with intentionality, strong community ties, and a sense of pride in their roots, children can grow into confident individuals who celebrate both where they come from and the diverse world around them.
