Anwar Gargash leads tributes to Emirati writer Hasan Al Subaihi

Al Subaihi was a media pioneer in the UAE and mentored many young journalists

Hasan Al Subaihi was a distinguished writer and academic. 

Tributes have been paid to renowned Emirati academic and writer Hasan Al Subaihi, who has died.

Al Subaihi, who was in his 70s, was a media pioneer in the UAE and taught journalism at United Arab Emirates University and the University of Sharjah for many years.

He was also a distinguished columnist at several newspapers.

In his writing, Al Subaihi championed the causes of the Arab world.

Social media was flooded on Sunday with messages from former students and fellow academics.

Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, offered his sympathies, paying tribute to Al Subaihi and offering his condolences to his family.

Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the President, also offered his sympathies.

UAE University extended its "sincere and heartfelt" condolences.

"May God rest his noble soul in peace and give his family strength and courage," it said.

Emirati editor and journalist Mona Al Raeesi said Al Subaihi was the first to teach her journalism at university.

"He used to always tell me, 'I'll see you become a successful journalist one day.'

"He believed in my capabilities and his words have had an  impact on me to this day."

Former Ittihad and Al Roeya editor in chief Mohamed Al Hammadi said Al Subaihi began his career at Ittihad.

"He was in love with his country and preoccupied with the condition of journalism and the media," Mr Al Hammadi said .

"Our condolences to his children, his family and to his journalistic and academic family.”

Al Subaihi had a bachelor's degree in media and mass communications from Cairo University. He  earned his masters in the US and his PhD in the UK.