The trial of the Kuwait bombing suspects and celebrations in Egypt to mark the completion of the New Suez Canal were the two regional topics that dominated Twitter over the past week.
Meanwhile, a large number of Emirati Twitter users discussed a topic much closer to home: the cultural centre of the country, Sharjah.
Terror in Kuwait
Anxiety was apparent among Kuwaitis following the confession of the main suspect in the deadly attack on a Shiite mosque last June that he was a member of ISIL.
@Almajlliss expressed shock at how some individuals tried to take advantage of the case. The comment was directed at the lawyers who defended the suspect.
@q8salama condemned the terrorists who are trying to seek publicity by creating sectarian divisions throughout the region.
Similar sentiments were expressed by @sarahkhalid594, who wrote that ISIL could try to use the trial to gain publicity. She hoped that the government would impose a ban on “publishing the court proceedings”.
The tweet of @hasabba, who explained how Kuwaitis irrespective of their religious affiliations live together in harmony, was particularly interesting. “I was praying in Al Hussain mosque when some Sunnis joined me in the prayer.” This explains the strong bond among Kuwaitis, she wrote.
“For those who keep looking for media attention and publicity at the expense of Kuwaitis will ultimately suffer a humiliating defeat,” predicted @M__albugaily.
Egypt’s achievement
The Suez Canal opening – a national pride as @AbdulHamidAhmad put it on Twitter – marked a milestone in the country’s progress. The happiness was palpable on the streets of Cairo and on social media platforms.
@AdelMahrouky shared some dramatic pictures of the streets filled with cars and jubilant people.
Meanwhile, @Egypt_Speaks shared a small but important news: “The pyramids had been thrown open to visitors for free as part of the celebrations.”
There was even a video clip from Mohammed@Almezel showing the celebrating crowd at Tahrir Square.
There was a short running commentary from David Kirkpatrick (@ddknyt) of The New York Times. He tweeted how TV and radio networks played patriotic songs throughout the day. He also posted pictures of ships and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
@nnzikhali explained why the Suez Canal expansion was an important part of the nation’s future economic prospects.
Focus on Sharjah
So what’s special about Sharjah? Emiratis took to Twitter to explain this week.
It’s the “emirate of smiles and culture”, wrote @be8aya_. “It’s the capital of culture, Islamic architecture and the centre of intellectual renaissance,” added Sultan @SultanAlshaali.
@iblleu was clearly fascinated by the emirate, which is “dotted with beautiful mosques”. One more thing you can find everywhere in Sharjah — karak chai [strong tea], added @m_raeisi_ae.
And, according to @THE_RED_HAWK, Sharjah has the largest number of sport clubs. However, the ones he particularly likes include Al Shaabm Al Sharjah, Al Hamreyah, Al Dhaid, Al Bataeh, Etihad Kalba, Khor Fakkan, Dibba Al Hosn and Al Khaleej.
“It is also the most beautiful emirate in the country,” tweeted @elfatmo.
salalawi@thenational.ae
On Twitter: @SarahKhamisUAE
