New Novel “Khaldiya Abu Dhabi” Explores the UAE’s Spirit of Unity, Resilience During Pandemic

A recently published novel in Cairo, "Khaldiya Abu Dhabi – Faces Pass… The Spirit Remains" , by Egyptian journalist and writer Bassam Abdel‑Samee, offers a reflective narrative that intertwines personal memory, collective experience, and a strong sense of national belonging to the United Arab Emirates. 

Set primarily in the Khaldiya district of Abu Dhabi, the novel explores how ordinary people experienced the psychological and social transformations brought about by the COVID-19 lockdown.

From the opening pages, Abdel-Samee frames the novel with a deeply emotional dedication to the UAE. The dedication is more than a formal preface—it serves as a key to understanding the spirit of the work. The author portrays loyalty to the UAE not simply as admiration for a place, but as a living covenant shaped by gratitude, opportunity, and shared destiny. Through lyrical language, he highlights the country’s reputation for generosity, ambition, and the belief that dreams, when paired with determination, can become the foundation of a nation.

- Leadership and Collective Confidence

A central motif in the novel revolves around the reassuring phrase “La Teshiloon Hamm” (“Do not worry”), associated with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. In Abdel-Samee’s narrative, the phrase transcends its literal meaning to become a symbol of trust between leadership and society. The author interprets it as an emotional anchor during times of uncertainty—particularly during the global pandemic—when citizens and residents alike sought reassurance.

The novel also reflects on how the UAE navigated the COVID-19 crisis with what the author describes as foresight and decisive management. Abdel-Samee depicts these moments not through official statistics or political commentary, but through the lived experiences of ordinary people whose daily routines were disrupted yet sustained by a shared sense of national solidarity.

- Khaldiya as a Living Character

The Khaldiya neighborhood in Abu Dhabi becomes more than a setting—it functions almost as a character in its own right. Through vivid descriptions of balconies, sidewalks, cafés, flower scents, and birdsong, Abdel-Samee constructs a sensory portrait of urban life during lockdown. These small details create an atmosphere where everyday scenes reflect the deeper resilience of a community.

One particularly memorable image in the narrative is the collective moment when the UAE national anthem echoed from balconies during the lockdown period. In the novel’s telling, the scene blends joy with tears, illustrating how symbols of national unity can transform moments of isolation into shared emotional experiences.

- Human Stories at the Heart of the Narrative

Beyond its political and social themes, Khaldiya Abu Dhabi remains rooted in human storytelling. Among the novel’s episodes is the touching story of the “Cat Lady,” a woman who becomes a symbol of compassion during a time of social distancing. Another thread recounts the experience of treatment at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, presented as an example of a healthcare system grounded in dignity and respect for patients.

Through such stories, Abdel-Samee captures the subtle moral lessons of crisis—kindness, solidarity, and the rediscovery of community bonds.

- A Literary Tribute

Ultimately, the novel reads as a tribute to the UAE during a period of global upheaval. Abdel-Samee blends journalistic observation with reflective storytelling, documenting how leadership, civic trust, and human compassion intersect during moments of adversity. The work suggests that the strength of nations is measured not only by their institutions, but by their ability to inspire unity and hope in times of uncertainty.

Since beginning his literary career during the pandemic in 2020, Abdel-Samee has published around twenty books spanning fiction, reflective prose, and social commentary. With Khaldiya Abu Dhabi – Faces Pass… The Spirit Remains, he continues to explore how personal narratives can illuminate broader societal transformations—turning a neighborhood story into a meditation on belonging, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a nation.