Belgian content creator Alexia Tashbaeva has expressed that Saudi Arabia has become her home, despite recent calls from her family to leave the Kingdom amid ongoing security concerns. In a TikTok video shared this week, Tashbaeva addressed her decision to remain in Saudi Arabia despite recent attacks on Saudi airports attributed to Yemen's Houthi militia.
Tashbaeva said she typically avoids discussing political issues on social media but felt compelled to show solidarity with Saudi Arabia during the current tensions. "My family asked me to stay away from Saudi Arabia due to the current situation, but I feel like it would be very unfair to do so, because even though I am not Saudi and I did not grow up here, I feel like Saudi Arabia has become my home," she said. She added that she does not anticipate returning to Belgium, highlighting a sense of security she finds in Saudi Arabia that she feels is lacking in her home country.
The content creator referenced recent unrest in Belgium, specifically citing economic dissatisfaction and anger toward the government. On October 9, approximately 30,000 people participated in a national strike in Brussels to protest austerity measures, with several clashes between youth demonstrators and riot police reported. Earlier protests in Liege also resulted in violence and around 200 arrests. Tashbaeva described the situation as contributing to her perception that she feels safer in Saudi Arabia.
She praised the Saudi government’s care for its citizens and expressed trust in the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as faith in Allah as a guiding force, saying, "The Saudi government always cares about their people. And through every challenge, my heart stands with this country and its people. May Allah always protect Saudi Arabia."
Tashbaeva’s statements come as tensions continue in the region amid increased attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia. Other public figures in Saudi Arabia have voiced similar sentiments. Saudi beauty entrepreneur Yara Alnamlah emphasized national pride, stating, "our homeland runs through our veins." Saudi designer Alanood Badr described Saudi Arabia as "a solid land that cannot be defeated by crises or divided by lies," reflecting a broader narrative of national resilience during a period of heightened regional conflict.