Online chatter about Disneyland exclusion and Emirati feminists

What was buzzing on Arabic social media this week

Twitter users this week were excited by the story of a Muslim family denied entry to the US and discussed Emirati feminists (Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg)

The Muslim family denied entry to the United States this week led the Twitterverse to question if the “Trump ban” was already in place. Do Emirati women need a feminist group to defend their rights? Many thought they didn’t. How should Muslims celebrate the Prophet’s birthday? Muslims discuss celebrating the birth of the Prophet Mohammed.

Muslim family denied entry to Disneyland

Tweeters were shocked at US racism, after a British Muslim family denied entry to the US on their way to Disneyland did not get an explanation – nor even a refund.

@___Donn was shocked. He wrote: “A British, Muslim family denied entry to LA just wanting to go to Disneyland? That’s pretty tragic, America.”

@Sealaudio1 asked Disneyland to clarify their behaviour: “I hope Disney have something to say about British Muslim family denied entry into US for trip to Disneyland.”

@MomsGetOnline: “Americans Think Every Muslim Is A Threat’ – Family Headed To Disney Denied Entry Into US.”

Anna @TallyAnnaE questioned if this meant Donald Trump’s views were already becoming policy. “20 British Muslim families denied US entry. Is ‘Trump ban’ already in place?.”

Emirati feminists

They introduced themselves as a group of Emiratis tackling women’s social issues and in brackets clarified that they are only raising awareness. “We do not oppose the government of UAE nor its rules & laws. Very intersectional.” But they didn’t seem to get the support of Emirati women, who criticised the group and questioned why it was created in the first place.

@scepticAli asked the group a question: “Just curious: are Emirati feminists Arab or mixed Arab and various immigrant women?”

@hindfamously seemed to think that the group is pointless: “One thousand Emirati women: here’s list of things I can’t do because I’m a woman. (Blank space.) Antifeminists: it’s your family’s problem not our society.”

Mariam @mm_nuaimi asked: “May someone please answer my question, Why do we need feminism in the UAE? This is a serious question; I’d really like to know.”

@AishaaMohd replied back to Mariam “& then there are others. Local feminists who start a riot on Twitter because they have nothing better to do.”

@Ssab__ shared a quote by Mariam Al Rumi: “Women in the UAE are not a case or a problem, Emirati women are living the best life in our society.”

@VlLLETTE shared some logic: “Emirati Twitter logic: I’m not oppressed so u Emirati feminists are ignorant and uneducated.”

Prophet’s birthday

Muslims around the world celebrated the birth of Prophet Mohammed this weekend but not all Muslims celebrate the day. Some consider celebrating prohibited and prefer to fast or spend the time to learning more about the Prophet’s life.

@swir_995 “Who is Prophet Mohammed? He is the one who defended the rights of all humanity 1400 years ago.”

@ghazaliq8 loved the celebratory spirit in the Islamic world. “Masha Allah the Prophet birth day decorations are widely seen around the world.”

Dr Khalid @khaledob: “Very beautiful weather, enjoy your prophet birthday holiday and it would be great if you discuss the birth of the Prophet story with your family.”

@khaledob shared a photo of Kurds. “Kurdish citizens are celebrating the birth of the Prophet day near Irbil fort at the centre of Kurdish area.”

In addition @kuw_today shared different photos of people celebrating the occasion, in Morocco, Nepal and Lebanon.

@A_BinDoheash shared other holidays that also raise controversy on Twitter. “Everyone is trying to figure out if celebrating these events is allowed in Islam. The birth of the Prophet, New Years, Valentines Day.”

Sarah Khamis is The National’s social media editor

On Twitter: @SarahKhamisUAE