Viral Debate: Emiratis Say 'Loud And Clear' They Went to Israel

Published July 26th, 2022 - 07:31 GMT
Tel Aviv
A general view shows the beaches in Israel's Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv on May 18, 2021 [GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images]
ALBAWABA - A recent tweet by Dr Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, an Emirati academic, got many bloggers in the UAE going. He wrote: As far as I know no Emirati went for a visit to Israel this year and if he did, he visited it secretly, shyly and/or in a sneaky way.
 
He added a recent public opinion poll showed 71 percent of UAE citizens expressed opinions that ranged negatively or very negatively on the relationship between Israel and the UAE.
 

This is re-emphasized by the next tweet:

But one, among many disagreed with the good doctor, saying he knows lots of Emirati friends that visited Israel and were please with the way Israelis received them. 

Another says: I am also one of them that visited Israel and Israelis are welcoming on my work visit and that the statistics shown are unjust. 

Another says: This is a treacherous stab to all Arab basis towards the Palestinian cause in clear reference to the visits.  

Another comments the day will come when the UAE returns to the Arab fold. 

However, another quote does suggest many of the citizens of the UAE went and enjoyed themselves. But is this true? However he says its too bad for those who married Palestinian women because they will not be able to go.

One also gives a religious twist to the whole affair. 

Another: I went three weeks ago and I will visit again in winter 

Most of the comments come in clarifications with one saying this: "Dr I have a friend who went and had a good time and ate olives there and shipped one large tin of oil and prayed in Al Aqsa Mosque...." 

Please don't generalize: I hope to visit Israel another blogs.

The poll is questioned by one. It should be made again, only related to UAE citizens this time and shoulld include students as well. 

Another view on the poll: 

One teases: If you were asked to go you would and praise the tourism there and say that Emiratis are all there...best to keep quite...

You are wrong! My brother went there as a tourist and says everything is fine and he sent us pictures.

A final ending: