Twitter was charged with emotions this week as the people remembered Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of this country. It was the 10th anniversary of his death. The other occasion that fuelled a lot of emotional reaction was Flag Day, the day that marked the swearing-in of Sheikh Khalifa as President of this country. Tweeters also closely followed the Emirati Media Forum, quoting participants and expressing their opinions about the media's critical role in the country's development.
Remembering Sheikh Zayed
It was on November 2 that Twitter was flooded with messages under the Arabic hashtag #Sheikh_Zayed's_death_anniversary.
Taim Al Falasi (@TaimAlFalasi) wrote: "On this day, an extraordinary man left us, the like of whom we will never see again."
Khalifa Al Snafi (@alsnafi_4uae) argued that Sheikh Zayed has left us, but his soul remains in every Emirati household. "His presence is felt in the miracle called the UAE."
Sultan Al Ameemi (@alameemi) wrote that Sheikh Zayed was not just a father and a leader. "He was the personification of mercy and grace from God for the UAE and its people."
Dr Ali Al Noaimi (@Dralnoaimi) said: "May God bless the founding father of the UAE, who set the vision of a modern state that invests in human development and takes care of its citizens and respects their rights."
When the flag flew high
Emiratis tweeters celebrated Flag Day on November 3.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, encouraged all residents for the third straight year to hoist the flag.
"Flag Day is a national occasion where we remember the efforts of our founders, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, and their brothers who sacrificed everything for the sake of our nation," Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
Using the Arabic hashtag #Flag_Day, citizens and residents shared pictures of their residences and workplaces with flags fluttering. Videos of our leaders raising the flags on Government buildings were circulated on social media.
Commenting on the occasion, UAE Government Leaders Programme (@UAE_GLP) said: "The flag isn't just a piece of fabric, it's a story of unity, a tale of pride and renaissance and a symbol of development."
Many didn't know the colours represented the historical dynasties of Islam. And Mohammed Al Maskary (@AlMaskary) had his own interpretation: "Red represents love and patriotism, green stands for generosity and prosperity, white for security and peace, and black symbolised power and persistence."
Forsan Al Emarat Group (@Forsan_UAE) tweeted that "Flag Day is an opportunity to introduce the new generation of Emiratis to the history of this country, the achievements of the founding fathers and to urge them to always keep the flag flying high."
However, Maryam Al Kaabi (@maryam1001) saw every day as an opportunity to be grateful that we belonged to the UAE, "the homeland of goodness, dignity and pride".
Highlighting media's role
Many people showed interest in the Emirati Media Forum, held in Dubai on Wednesday under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Many of those who attended the event live-tweeted the panels and discussions, with quotes and pictures of the speakers.
Using the Arabic hashtag #Emirati_Media_Forum, Aghra Al Anme (@aghra_al3nme882) applauded the Prime Minister's efforts to support the UAE's media.
"The ideas of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid are translated everyday to a reality that we live and to a system that we seek to build."
Bu Mansour (@bumansoor_uae) argued that "one of the most important characteristics of a successful society is paying attention to media and focusing on instilling noble values in society".
Mohammed Al Mahrami (@alsakal7) congratulated all those "who have been honoured in this wonderful assembly by a man who is fond of coming first".
aalmazrouei@thenational.ae
On Twitter: @AyeshaAlmazroui
Emotion runs high as country remembers the nation’s founders
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