A young Cuban woman living in Dubai, known on TikTok as @loreindubai, has shared a video asserting her pride in her dual identity as both Cuban and Muslim. In doing so, she challenges those who believe these identities cannot coexist within a single individual.
The 59-second clip, posted on May 15, unfolds like a chant where the creator continuously states, "I am Cuban and Muslim, and..." as she weaves together memories from her childhood in Cuba with her present life in the United Arab Emirates.
"I am Cuban and Muslim, and I am well aware that people find it hard to grasp how these two can be part of one person," she declares at the start of the video.
The video reaches its emotional peak when she describes her reaction upon entering a supermarket full of goods: "I cried for those who have no idea what's on the dark side," a poignant nod to the shortages endured by those living in Cuba under its communist regime.
She reminisces about her upbringing on the island, painting a familiar picture for millions of Cubans: loud music, street shouting, candlelit nights during blackouts, hunger, and daily resilience.
Identity Beyond Appearance
Addressing the most visible symbol of her faith, the hijab, she firmly responds to those questioning her choice: "People ask why I cover my hair as if a headscarf could erase where I come from."
The narrative also touches on the pain of exile and distance. "There are nights when the distance hurts more than any memory," she admits, adding that she has often wept quietly in front of a screen while reassuring her mother that everything was fine, to spare her from worry.
The video concludes with a statement encapsulating her entire viewpoint: "My religion does not erase where I come from because one never leaves their homeland; the homeland lives within."
In the video’s English description, she is even more forthright: "I was born Cuban and chose Islam. Two things I am very proud of in my life, and may Allah bless all my Cuban compatriots in these trying times."
Cultural Tensions and Resilience
The story of @loreindubai is not unique. In December 2025, another Cuban woman in hijab, known as @nayda4197 and residing in Tampa, Florida, went viral on TikTok while dancing a Cuban genre, reparto, in her Islamic veil. In the comments of that video, another user shared that she had been a Muslim convert for a decade, married to an Arab, yet still felt deeply Cuban.
These examples highlight a documented tension: Cuban Muslim women face scrutiny from fellow Cubans who view Islam as alien to national identity, as well as from Muslim communities that may not always recognize Cuban culture as compatible with the faith.
The Muslim community in Cuba, though small, is growing, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to 13,000 people, primarily converts with no Islamic family heritage. Islam gained legal recognition on the island in 2007, and in June 2015, the Abdallah Mosque was opened in Old Havana, marking the country's main Islamic place of worship following the conversion of a former car museum.
Meanwhile, the Cuban diaspora in Dubai navigates complex immigration conditions: residency is tied to employment and must be renewed regularly, and there are no direct flights from Cuba to the Emirates, necessitating travel through third countries.
Understanding the Cuban Muslim Experience
How do Cuban Muslim women reconcile their dual identities?
Cuban Muslim women often express their dual identities by embracing both their cultural heritage and their religious beliefs. They may face challenges from both sides but often find pride in their unique combination of backgrounds.
What challenges does the Cuban Muslim community face in Cuba?
The Cuban Muslim community faces challenges such as limited resources, small community size, and social scrutiny. However, the recognition of Islam in 2007 and the establishment of the Abdallah Mosque have helped bolster their presence.
What are the immigration conditions for Cubans in Dubai?
Cubans in Dubai must navigate a complex immigration system where residency is tied to employment and requires periodic renewal. Additionally, there are no direct flights between Cuba and the UAE, complicating travel logistics.