The past week saw UAE’s social-media users welcome back the first batch of Emirati troops from Yemen and remember those who have lost their lives in the war. Other dominant issues included the opening of the 34th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair and the weather.
Return of the soldiers
When UAE tweeters hailed the first batch of soldiers as they returned home on Saturday, they used the Arabic hashtag #Our_Army_is_our_pride.
They also remembered those who laid down their lives in the battlefield by using the hashtag #We_will_never_forget_your_ sacrifice.
Faris Awadh (@farisf9) tweeted: “It’s a historic day, a day to express our pride and loyalty, a day when the homeland embraced its returning heroes.”
Addressing the soldiers, Sultan Al Ameemi (@alameemi) wrote: “Your victories, bravery, sacrifices and heroism have set an example for all of us to follow. We are proud of you.”
Abdulla bin Habtoor’s (@Abinhabtoor) reaction was more dramatic: “We are confused whether to raise our heads in pride or bow in front of your greatness.”
Tareq Helal (@tareqhelal_) thanked the UAE military for its efforts in Yemen.
However, those who sacrificed their lives for their country were not forgotten. Their pictures were shared by many who also prayed for them.
Ahmed Moosa (@ah_moosa) paid his respects, saying: “Your names are engraved in our hearts, your heroism will be studied in schools and your courage will find mention in history books.”
A cultural festival
Book lovers used social media, including Twitter and Instagram, to celebrate the 34th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, which began last week and will continue until tomorrow. They used the Arabic hashtag #Sharjah_International_Book_Fair.
While authors shared the titles of their books and told their audience about the timings of their book-signing sessions, readers tweeted pictures of the books they bought and people they met at the fair. Publishers also used social media to publicise their new releases and communicate with buyers.
The popular event received support from high-profile individuals, including Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid (@Rashidbinhumaid), who tweeted: “I was very happy to visit the book fair and walk in a wonderful world of culture, intellect and literature. Thirty-four years of success in supporting reading and the love of books. Despite the convenience of the virtual world that has no limits, the smell of paper and having a book has a unique charm that will always remain.”
Um Abdullah (@um_abdallah11) was clearly: “Even though I came back from the book fair about an hour ago, I would definitely go back if someone would ask. It’s a place where you never get bored.”
Engineer Sara (@SaroonArchitect) shared the same enthusiasm, saying she had to go to get a new bookshelf before heading to the fair. She explained that all the shelves at her home were already full.
AbdulRahman Al Humairy (@AB_alhumairy) was happy to find all the books he wanted, despite arriving late at the venue due to traffic jams.
Dr AbdulAziz Al Hammadi (@dr_al7ammadi) thanked Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, the Ruler of Sharjah, for the cultural festival, saying that “inspiration lies in seeing what can’t be seen”.
Rainy day
Many people used social media to share their joy at waking up to cloudy skies and scattered rain yesterday morning.
Using the Arabic hashtag #Rains_of_Grace, people shared live pictures and videos of the cloudy sky and rain-soaked areas, describing them as the signs of “the beginning of the winter season”.
Sharjah Municipality (@ShjMunicipality) was most active in calling on people to report any emergency caused by rainwater by using a dedicated hotline. It also asked people to follow the traffic rules and not to drive fast.
Hinda (@Hindalife) tweeted: “There is rain on the horizon. As if to wash our souls, to calm us down and get us to reflect and fill our hearts with memories.”
Sarah Khamis is on leave
aalmazrouei@thenational.ae
On Twitter: @AyeshaAlmazroui
