UAE is the nation where people have no rights to speak freely. This May a student of the New York University was deported from the UAE just because he expressed his love for the Plaestine. The student wore a traditional Palestinian black- and- white scarf in his graduation ceremony and shouted “ Free palestine!” while receiving his diploma.
This incident clearly reflects that the UAE is in the favor of Israel where people have no right to show favor for Palestine. Also in this country there is no any discussion related to the Israel-Hamas war that affected Gaza. Serious actions are taken against all those that criticize Israel and protest against them. So the United Arab Emirates is the nation which tightly controls speech and prohibits political parties, unlike other Arab countries.
There are no limits to these restrictions. They have extended academic life at NYU Abu Dhabi. Students of this university claim that they have been restricted from performing any activities related to conflict. Similar limitations have been reported at cultural events in the capital, where individuals wearing the Palestinian scarf were denied entry.
According to one of the students, “I think the government and the laws of the country don’t necessarily align with wanting to create an environment that appeals to the West as well, if we’re talking about freedom of speech and so on.” The student did not express his identity to protect himself from any conflict.
New York University told the Associated Press that they have rights to manage academic matters on campus. They also added that every student at the university must obey the local laws.
The university cannot control a country’s immigration or law enforcement actions. NYU makes sure students know what is expected, their duties, and the rules, especially for graduation at NYU Abu Dhabi. The UAE government did not comment on this issue.
NYU emphasizes the importance of understanding local legal obligations and responsibilities. While the university provides guidance, it cannot change or influence national laws or immigration policies. Students are repeatedly informed about these boundaries and expectations for their safety and compliance.
Before the graduation ceremony, the University set some rules. One of the rules is that students are not permitted to wear traditional scarfs and show support to Palestine. And every student must strictly follow this rule.
Five students who did not tell their names also said that the same rules were in place before the graduation. These rules affected those who wanted to buy keffiyehs in bulk for a fundraiser and those who wanted to hold vigils for people who died in Gaza.
One of the students of NYU university said that this university sent an email that clearly highlights that no one has permission to wear a traditional scarf. So, cultural clothes are strictly banned in the ceremony. One of the students ignored this email and shoured Free Palestine on stage. This action of the student put him in serious trouble. He was then taken by the police and deported. This was reported by the American Association of University Professors, which supports free speech and academic freedom.
NYU Abu Dhabi dont take any step in favor of its students, staff and faculty. All those who support Palestine are questioned by the government authorities and deported from the country. Many graduating students were deported because they were in favor of Plaestine.
People from non-Western countries faced detention, intimidation, and deportation due to surveillance. The university has also been criticized for using migrant workers to build its campus under poor conditions. These workers paid fees without reimbursement, lived in crowded housing, and worked extra hours. An investigation confirmed these issues, and although NYU promised to compensate the workers, some said they never got paid back.
In 2017, New York University’s journalism department stopped working with NYU Abu Dhabi because of visa problems for professors. Meanwhile, the UAE stays friendly with Israel, with a consulate and embassy there. Flights to Israel kept going when Western airlines were slower to start. During U.N. COP28 in Dubai, the UAE let pro-Palestinian protests happen in the “Blue Zone” with careful watching.
Conflict started on October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, causing 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. Israel’s response in Gaza led to 38,000 Palestinian deaths, including civilians. In the West Bank, Israeli attacks killed hundreds more.
It shows tricky diplomatic, security, and human problems.