Prime Minister issues guidelines for Emiratis
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued a list of guidelines that Emiratis should adhere to when using social media.
The 10-point list encourages Emirati “personalities” who represent their country online to share positive information about the UAE, its Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed and his teachings.
Sheikh Mohammed posted the list on Twitter in Arabic with the question, “what are the characteristics for an Emirati personality that we want on social media?”
The list also called for Emiratis who post messages that “reflect maturity and a high level of culture”. Sheikh Mohammed said UAE citizens should avoid people who insult others and who speak of immoral things on social media.
He said Emirati social media users must encourage others, be optimistic and use logic and scientific facts in debates.
Sheikh Mohammed said he sought “a personality that is useful to others in knowledge and has ideas for community or humanitarian initiatives that will make the country proud”.
Emiratis online were urged to be confident but modest, tolerant and to show love and kindness towards others.
They should also seek to “build bridges between other nations”, he said.
Sheikh Mohammed called on Emiratis to mingle with others, speak their language, discuss issues and think positively about the future.
He also encouraged them to exhibit “a personality that loves its nation, is proud of it and will sacrifice for it”.
The list comes less than two months after Sheikh Mohammed released a letter for the “new season” outlining six points that he said needed addressing.
Among them was a request that citizens leave foreign policy statements to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, rather than attempting to speak on behalf of the UAE on social media.
The Vice President said the UAE’s reputation was not to be used as a means of gaining more followers.
“We have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation responsible for managing our external affairs, speaking on our behalf and expressing our position on foreign policies,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“We will not allow a group of Twitter users to mess with Zayed’s legacy of credibility and love and respect for people. The good image of the UAE and the Emiratis must remain bright as Zayed wanted and built.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid urged Emiratis to share positive information online about the UAE and Sheikh Zayed