Francis Matthew

“Silence” Leaves the UAE Vulnerable to its Critics

“Silence” Leaves the UAE Vulnerable to its Critics

FRANCIS MATTHEW: Lack of political inclusion, and the lack of regular statements, offers an opening to criticism of the country. But this should not ignore its liberal social agenda.

 David Westley

News Analysis: The UAE Five, A Closure?

News Analysis: The UAE Five, A Closure?

NEWS ANALYSIS: “This has become a very dividing case in the U.A.E.,” said Abdulkhaleq Abdullah… He’s not wrong: On Twitter some Emiratis called for the death sentence to be applied to the five.

 Abu Muhammed

Saudi Maternity: Good Business, Bad Medicine?

Saudi Maternity: Good Business, Bad Medicine?

ABU MUHAMMED: I am told that some hospitals and clinics with birthing centers have good reputations in Saudi, but it only takes one to spoil the barrel…

 Sultan Al Qassemi

GCC: Muslim Brotherhood Fears Over Arab Spring

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.

 Matt J. Duffy

Wikileaks – Where is the UAE Media?

Wikileaks – Where is the UAE Media?

MATT J. DUFFY: I suggest that one—or preferably all—of the UAE’s press outlets compile a simple report analyzing the leaked cables. The report should be published without a byline so no single reporter can be sued.

 Sultan Al Qassemi

Sponsorship for Sale – Why the Practice Should End

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.