Social media in the UAE reflected a roller coaster of emotions over the past week. While anger was vented about the attacks in Paris, the appointment of Dr Amal Al Qubaisi as the first female Federal National Council speaker was welcomed across all social networks. Art was also often mentioned, with the annual Abu Dhabi Art festival celebrating as it opened its doors at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
In solidarity with Paris
The UAE Twittersphere was shocked to learn about the coordinated terror attacks in Paris that killed at least 129 people.
Professor of political science Abdulkhaleq Abdulla (@Abdulkhaleq_UAE) rejected any commentary connecting the attacks with France’s foreign policy in the Middle East.
He wrote on Twitter: “To say that the terrorist attacks on Paris came as a normal reaction to the behaviour and policies of France towards the region is a false justification for a fallacious action. Terrorism has no justification whatsoever.
“Paris crime is not and will not be the only and final one. It seems that the world will be living under the threat of the terrorist ISIL for a long time. The near and far countries have to prepare for it.”
Abdulla Saeed (@AbdullaBnS) said: “With every terrorist action, our tongues speak before our minds in condemnation.”
He recalled the continuous acts of terror, from Palestine to Iraq to Syria to Myanmar, where Muslims are also falling victims to extremist ideologies.
“Yes, it hurts us that the Muslim and Arab blood is seen as cheap, but this doesn’t give us the right to justify the death of innocent people from other races and religions.”
Yousef Al Nuaimi (@ YousefAl Nuaimi) agreed, saying that “the biggest loser in the Paris attacks is humanity”. He also expressed concerns that the reputation of Islam and its tolerance is often harmed by such un-Islamic actions.
Some Emiratis started the Arabic hashtag #UAE_supports_France_against_terrorism to express their solidarity and sympathy with France and its people. They also used it to share pictures of major UAE landmarks illuminated with the French flag.
Asthma Al Janaahi (@AlJanaahi) said: “We are used to seeing our beloved country standing against terrorism and the people who assist it, support it and sympathise with it.”
Majid Al Dhaheri (@flag_m) even shared a picture of a candle he lit in solidarity with the victims and their families. He said: “I will always love you, o city of life, no matter how hard terrorism tried to spoil your soil. You are our brothers in humanity, the people of liberty and entitlement.”
Maryam (@maryo0oma_22G) asserted: “Together we stand against terrorism and its followers.”
Women’s step forward
On the other hand, people welcomed the good news on Wednesday when Dr Amal Al Qubaisi was appointed president and speaker of the Federal National Council, becoming the region’s first female leader of a national assembly.
Many people used the hashtag #Amal_AlQubaisi_President_of _FNC to hail the UAE’s efforts to empower women, and express pride in the remarkable achievements of Emirati women. The designation was seen as an important step forward for all women, not only in the UAE but in the region.
Khadeeja Al Marzouqi (@KhadeejaM) said: “History is being made in my beloved UAE. And the more beautiful is that it always chooses the most competent and qualified. Congratulations.”
Dar Al Dhabi (@daraldabe) also praised Dr Al Qubaisi for being one of the people “who excelled in every field she entered and won the recognition in all the positions she held”.
She added that the recognition and support Emirati women received from the Government and society is the fruit of their hard work, wishing the best for “the daughters of Zayed”, who deserve respect and honour.
Ghaya (@Ghaya_84) wrote on Twitter: “I’m proud to be a woman. I’m full of pride and respect for Emirati women. From a progress to another. I’m proud of Amal Al Qubaisi.”
Embracing art
Art was also a popular topic of discussion this week as Abu Dhabi Art opened its doors on Wednesday. People used social media, including Twitter and Instagram, to talk about the event and share pictures of the artworks they enjoyed. The Arabic hashtag of #AbuDhabi_Art was trending since the first day of the event.
Azhar (@Azharitto) applauded the organisation and said that this year’s fair is very beautiful and features many extraordinary art pieces.
Nouf ALMousa (@NoufAlmousa) also expressed her admiration of the exhibited artworks, and especially the conceptual piece by Emirati artist Hassan Sharif.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (@ADMAFsocial used the opportunity to call upon talented young Emiratis to come forward to their booth and get a chance to have their art exhibited internationally.
AD Convention Bureau (@AbuDhabiCB) tweeted that Manarat Al Saadiyat deserves its name, as it’s indeed a minaret for culture and authentic art.
aalmazrouei@thenational.ae
On Twitter: @AyeshaAlmazroui
