Egypt: Can Morsi Now Rebuild Bridges to the UAE?
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: There are two major concerns with the Muslim Brotherhood for the UAE: The most important is its relations with an offshoot network operating illegally in the country.
Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman: A Power House Emerging
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Combined the three emirates would be in the top 10 in the Arab world for population, and a GDP of $100 bn, its eight largest.
Islamists and Liberals: No Merger, Only Takeover
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Islamists ally with liberals to demand reform; once met they use their newly won influence without regard for former allies…
Politics: Emirati Students Abroad Show Way at Home
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Qatar, he told me, has one of the most impressive constitutions, as well as the most impressive parliamentary building. “Too bad there’s no parliament to occupy it,” he said.
A Compelling Case for a UAE State of the Union Address
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: This year is an ideal time for the UAE, the only successful union in the Arab world, to institutionalise a State of the Federation address.
GCC: Muslim Brotherhood Fears Over Arab Spring
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: UAE national observers commented in private that many names on the UAE petition calling for an elected parliament were UAE members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Dark Arts of Politics Creeping Into Gulf Social Media
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: On Twitter, a common response I receive for people losing their jobs because of ‘political activity’ is the phrase ‘the traitors deserve it.’
Egypt and Zolm: The Road From Revolt to Change
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: If the Egypt uprising of 2011 can be summed up in a single word, it is zolm, defined as “oppression, tyranny, inequity, unfairness, injustice, abuse”.
President Obama, It’s Time for a Rethink…
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: It’s high time for fresh faces and fresh ideas from the White House to deal with outdated policies that have failed in effecting genuine change.
Edward Said – A Threat or an Asset?
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Public intellectuals reflect the conscience of society and should not be regarded as a threat, but as part and parcel of the community.
GCC Cooperation Key to Tomorrow’s Challenges
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Recently I attempted to capture some of these aspirations. On Twitter, I asked: “What do Gulf citizens want from the summit?”
The UAE and the UK – a Special Relationship
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Today, there are approximately 240,000 British citizens living in the UAE, with another one million plus visiting the country every year and up to 40,000 Emiratis visiting Britain annually.
Entrepreneurs to leave mark for next generation
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Arab governments need to understand that without pan-Arab initiatives, true prosperity will not be achieved. We must capitalise on our strengths as a region with a population larger than the United States…
A more balanced federal budget benefits us all
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: But how can the country cover a federal budget shortfall of Dh18.2 billion, which is now carried by only Abu Dhabi and Dubai? A tax regime…
A Monument of Tolerance in the Heart of Dubai
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: Nestled in one of Bur Dubai’s older districts is one of the emirate’s best kept architectural secrets: the Ismaili Centre of Dubai.
Sponsorship for Sale – Why the Practice Should End
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: The sponsorship system does more harm than good, and the authorities should take the brave, but unpopular (amongst locals) step of ending it.
Abu Dhabi’s rise as a knowledge based economy
SULTAN AL QASSEMI: By reaching out to others, Abu Dhabi’s knowledge hubs can function as musical instruments that, when played together, create a harmonious symphony.
Holidays abroad shouldn’t mean breaking the law
Since we expect tourists to be on their best behaviour when they visit the UAE, it’s only fair that we feel equally outraged when our own misbehave elsewhere.
Municipal councils & the spirit of civic participation
Emiratis seem to be disconnected from public service and civic duty. If they are empowered to represent their communities, then the energy of a young and growing population could be harnessed in the right direction…
Stereotypes are a dressing for our own prejudice
Stereotypes can be exacerbated by local customs and dress, but that is no reason for abandoning those things – rather it’s up to us to us to continue to challenge ignorance head on argues Sultan Al Qassemi.
