Matters at home, and close to home, were on the minds of social-media users in the UAE this week. Operation Decisive Storm, the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, was a prominent topic of discussion, as was the proposal to base a Gulf-wide police force in Abu Dhabi.
UAE tweeters were also keen to register their support for Mother of the Nation, a website that celebrates the achievements of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
Operation Decisive Storm
Saudi Arabia’s announcement that it would end its month-long air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen was big news. After the coalition achieved its objectives, Tweeters from across the Middle East shared their support for Yemen.
@9_oz9 wrote: “We thank Allah for his blessings, the war ended and we are safe in our homes.”
@BassamAlshatti, an instructor in Islamic Teachings at Kuwait University, expressed gratitude. “We thank Allah and all who participated, our brave soldiers. We ask mercy for those who died and victory for those who were not given justice.”
@fisal_al7rby: “We ask Allah to have mercy on the souls of the ones who died while trying to protect their countries, and we ask Allah to heal the wounded soldiers.”
@YasserAlbaty, a lecturer at Al Qusaim University, tweeted a photo that showed his translation of some of the points made in a news article about the operation in The New York Times.
@Rashidbinhumaid wrote: “Storm is over but our decisiveness is continuous and Yemenis will be as happy as they were in the past.”
GCC Police Force
The UAE Cabinet endorsed a proposal to host the headquarters of the Joint Police Force of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Abu Dhabi. The UAE aims to foster its relations with other Gulf countries to safeguard the region from any threats.
The GCC Police Force will contribute in coordinating efforts across the region; share knowledge and information among other relevant security authorities that will eventually streamline the efforts to maintain safety of the people.
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed wrote: “The safety of the Gulf countries is united and can never be compromised.”
@KBinhendi: “The UAE will be proud to host the main branch of the GCC Police Force and before that we were the first to host the GCC summit, thanks to our father Zayed.”
@albustani_m: “The unity of the GCC in one police department and in Operation Decisive Storm is evidence that the GCC countries are one strong house that can never be shaken.”
@iAlsa3di: “I congratulate the UAE, GCC and Arabs. We may be different but not when it comes to securing peace and stability.”
@AlMaskary: “There’s a red line when it comes to safety of the region. Unity helps stop any attempt to mess with our safety and makes it easier to catch those people who are wanted [by authorities] in the GCC.”
Mother of the Nation
The “Mother of the Nation” website pays tribute to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. It includes her biography and her achievements in different fields such as empowering women, health care, elderly care and much more. Tweeters responded when a hashtag was launched on the website to celebrate the graduation of female students from higher education institutes.
@alsakal7 wrote: “May God protect her [Sheikha Fatima] and keep her safe from harm.”
@ahmeddsr: “We cannot thank her enough, she has worked hard to raise women’s role in our society.”
@Lamees_UAE, an Emirati doctor, wrote: “ Sheikha Fatima has always been unique and strong, may Allah protect her.”
Sarah Khamis is The National’s social media editor
salalawi@thenational.ae
On Twitter: @SarahKhamisUAE
