UAE | Government

Dubai residents welcome decision to greet New Year with somberness

Residents of Dubai have welcomed the government's decision to exercise restrain and welcome the New Year with somberness as their brethren in Palestine is enduring worst forms of violence and killings at the hands of the Israeli military.

  • By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 16:41 December 31, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: Residents of Dubai have welcomed the government's decision to exercise restrain and welcome the New Year with somberness as their brethren in Palestine is enduring worst forms of violence and killings at the hands of the Israeli military.

People who spoke with Gulf News said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has set an example for other Arab leaders by ordering the cancellations of all forms of New Year celebrations.

Shaikh Mohammad on Tuesday ordered the celebrations to be cancelled as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Arige Jomaa, a Lebanese Canadian who resides in Dubai said it was a laudable decision by Shaikh Mohammad. “Hundreds are dying in Palestine and nobody is doing anything to stop the violence. Other leader are only issuing condemnations and making mere statements. But Shaikh Mohammad has urged for some action. I wish more leaders would follow suit and take his example,'' said Arige, 44.

According to her, not having a party at the New Year's eve is not the end of the world and it is not in good spirit to celebrate when there is lot of misery around you.

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