UAE residents reveal their New Year resolutions and wishes for 2025

Dubai: Entering the New Year symbolises fresh beginnings and inspires new perspectives, habits, and approaches aimed at creating a more joyful, engaging, and safe world.

Believing in this universal ethos, UAE residents like Paramjit Ahluwalia have set several personal goals for the next year—and they are not just about hitting the gym or starting a new diet. Residents also shared what they look forward to happen in 2025.

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“I want to be an active contributor and participant in making my space and surroundings clean, green, and sustainable. Our planet Earth needs our well-intended efforts now more than ever before. We owe it to her to do our bit in making the world a healthier place to live and thrive in,” said Ahluwalia, a school principal in Abu Dhabi.

As an educator, the Indian expat also wishes to include and inculcate unexplored ways of teaching and learning, to push not only our students but also teachers, to think differently, to make discoveries and mistakes, all contributing to their individual growth.

Leading and enforcing community-driven measures, that focus on well-being of people around us is another goal. “After all, it’s shared joy and shared stories that make life worthwhile, while taking care of each other, our planet and the generations to come. What better resolution can one have other than to support each other while we work towards this blissful goal,” he said.

Meanwhile, Radwa Emad, an Egyptian senior communications executive, said: “In 2025, I’m excited to step out of my comfort zone and explore new cultures, either through travelling to new destinations or simply by meeting people from different backgrounds. One of my resolutions as a foodie is also finding more hidden gems and experience new flavours.”

But beyond personal goals, Emad is fascinated by how AI is transforming the world. “It is like we are on the brink of a whole new era, where technology could change everything from the way we work to how we connect. I am excited to see what the future holds for the UAE in 2025 and what incredible innovations await us in the coming years.”

Sharjah-based Moroccan university student, Yahia Walid, wants to improve his skills in cybersecurity, procrastinate less, and contribute positively to global challenges. “To develop my cybersecurity skills, I will continue my university studies and use platforms like Hack The Box to experiment and learn at a deeper level. For procrastination, I plan to start using the Pomodoro technique to manage my time better and stay focused.”

When it comes to global affairs, he is more concerned about global warming and hopes that 2025 brings meaningful progress. “Personally, I’ll try to use fewer plastic bags and switch to a metal holder for household shopping. I’ll also water local trees to help the environment in a small but impactful way. Whether it’s creating a safer digital world, improving productivity, or supporting environmental efforts, I believe that consistent actions, no matter how small, can lead to meaningful change. I’m hopeful for a future where individuals and communities work together to make the world a better place,” the cybersecurity engineering student said.

Anwaar Khaled, a senior analyst in performance and business planning in a renewable energy company in Abu Dhabi, said she is all about pushing herself to grow, whether it is learning something new or taking on more challenges, in the New Year.

“I have created a bucket list of all the things I would like to achieve in 2025. Among them is levelling up my wheel pottery skills. It is my creative outlet and peaceful escape where I get to play with clay and unwind. This activity helps me reconnect with my inner self, bringing my thoughts into life. I’m also planning to make breathing exercises a daily habit to stay focussed - because, well, we all need it. Looking ahead to 2025, I would love to see meaningful steps taken towards sustainability, with communities and governments working together to protect our planet for future generations,” said the Jordanian expat.

Like many others, Maheen Hussain Awan, a Pakistani PR professional, in Dubai, aims to begin the New Year with a positive mindset and consistency in habits that lead towards personal growth. “I feel this year needs to have more of a focus on health and wellness for myself and be able to actually make changes that help create a more holistic lifestyle moving forward. I have found a new love for Pilates that I aim to take forward for physical wellness. I am definitely going to be more mindful and make some time for meditation to get away from just a work-focussed lifestyle all the time.”

Having moved to Dubai two years ago, Maheen is hopeful of finding likeminded people to adopt healthy lifestyle. “I hope 2025 brings new opportunities, more chances of working on great projects and with great people. I am manifesting personal and career growth in 2025 and I am very thankful to be able to do that in a city like Dubai.”

Dr Fadwa Lkorchy, a licensed psychologist in Dubai, shared insights on the psychology of New Year resolutions.

She pointed out that there is societal pressure to tie goal-setting to specific dates though self-improvement should not be confined to the start of a new year. “Every day is a new beginning. You don’t need a special date to commit to self-care, well-being, or personal goals. But many people think New Year is going to give a fresh start.”

She explained that individual differences play a crucial role in achieving goals. “What works for one person might not work for another. Some thrive with discipline, while others need gradual steps,” she said. Dr Fadwa also noted the dangers of setting unrealistic expectations, which can lead to disappointment and diminished self-esteem.

“It’s not about the date. Whether it’s New Year’s Day or any other time, what matters is your commitment to yourself and your journey.”

Her advice is to focus on understanding your own abilities and internal well-being rather than seeking quick fixes or external validation tied to special dates. “True progress comes from self-acceptance and setting manageable goals that align with your capacities,” she added.

Dr Muhammad S. Tahir, Dubai-based psychiatrist certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, pointed out that the holiday season fosters a universal spirit of reflection, connection, and renewal, as people gather to celebrate achievements, share aspirations, and embrace the hope of personal growth in the year ahead.

“In my practice, I’ve observed how individuals across diverse cultural backgrounds approach this season with a heightened sense of self-awareness. These interactions act as a catalyst for inspiration, sparking a collective spirit of growth and renewal,” he said.

He said the concept of New Year’s resolutions emerges from this interplay of reflection and hopes. “As the calendar resets, so too does our psychological framework. It’s an opportunity to imagine a better version of ourselves, free from the shortcomings of the past.”

Resolutions, whether personal or professional, represent a commitment to change and improvement. Yet, not all resolutions result in success.

“People who succeed often set realistic, specific, and measurable goals. They break down their aspirations into smaller, actionable steps and remain consistent in their efforts. Importantly, they maintain self-compassion, viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.

“Conversely, those who fail may set overly ambitious or vague goals, lack a clear plan, or underestimate the effort required to create lasting change. Psychological factors such as perfectionism, fear of failure, or a lack of intrinsic motivation can also impede progress,” pointed out Dr Tahir.