Saudi and Emirati poets, actors and social media users emphasise strong Gulf ties, revive calls to block accounts spreading abuse and division.
Calls for greater Gulf unity are gaining momentum on social media, with prominent Emirati and Saudi personalities encouraging users to move beyond online insults and disagreements and recognise the deep-rooted relationships connecting their communities.
Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, urged Gulf nationals on Saturday to avoid hostile exchanges on social media, stressing that such behaviour does not reflect the region’s shared values and traditions.
“We may differ in our assessment of situations, but there is no alternative to solidarity, prioritising wisdom and rejecting bickering,” Gargash wrote on X.
His comments, made on Saturday, October 17, come as poets, cultural personalities and social media users across the Gulf increasingly call for mutual respect and solidarity.
The appeals have extended beyond political discussions, with conversations about poetry, sports and everyday matters also prompting messages emphasising the longstanding bonds between Gulf societies.
Prominent Saudi poet Prince Abdulrahman bin Musaad joined the discussion after his work became the subject of an online comparison.
“Please keep me out of this argument, which benefits nobody,” the prince wrote, distancing himself from the dispute.
He subsequently addressed the wider issue of disagreements involving Saudi, Emirati and other Gulf social media users, encouraging them to focus on their common values rather than their differences.
“My advice is that we seek out and highlight what unites us, not what divides us. We should promote opinions that bring people together and set aside those that drive them apart,” he wrote.
The Saudi prince also condemned abusive language, personal attacks and insults targeting national figures, stressing that patriotism should never be used to justify hostility towards neighbouring Gulf countries.
He further warned social media users against automatically assuming that accounts displaying a country’s flag are genuinely operated by citizens of that nation.
His message received support from prominent Saudi actor Nasser Al Qasabi, who said the prince’s words had deeply resonated with him.
“What unites the peoples of the Gulf is deeper than a passing disagreement, and more firmly rooted than voices of incitement or attempts to cast doubt upon it,” Al Qasabi wrote.
The actor also proposed bringing together Gulf intellectuals, journalists, artists and other influential personalities under a joint initiative tentatively named “Tadamon” (Solidarity).
The proposed initiative would seek to strengthen relations between Gulf communities and challenge rhetoric that encourages division.
Emirati voices emphasise shared Gulf identity
Several prominent Emirati personalities and social media users have echoed the calls for unity, highlighting the historical, cultural and personal bonds connecting Gulf nations.
Emirati businessman and social media commentator Marwan Al Sarkal reinforced the message of solidarity.
“Our Gulf is one, and our people are one. We remain one family, whether we agree or disagree. Our destiny and our blood are one,” he wrote.
Emirati social media user Saleh Al Shehhi also shared his affection for Saudi Arabia, reflecting on his personal experiences and friendships in the Kingdom.
“I have many cherished memories of Riyadh and its people, and of Saudi Arabia and its people,” he wrote, while expressing his hopes for continued peace, stability and security in both countries.
Al Shehhi also commended Saudi television presenter Turki Al Ajmah for promoting constructive discussions and steering public conversations away from inflammatory exchanges.
Gulf brotherhood extends beyond sporting rivalries
The message of Gulf solidarity has also featured in sporting discussions, where competition between teams can sometimes trigger heated exchanges among supporters.
Emirati poet Zayed Al Maisri previously drew on a football encounter between UAE club Al Ain and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal to highlight the importance of maintaining brotherhood despite sporting rivalries.
“There is no room between us for envy or gloating. We are brothers, and our brotherhood rests on strong foundations,” he wrote in verse.
His words underscored the view that sporting competition and differing opinions should not weaken the longstanding relationships between Gulf communities.
‘Block without comment’ initiative resurfaces amid unity calls
The renewed appeals for respectful online engagement have also brought attention to an earlier UAE initiative aimed at curbing abusive behaviour on social media.
The “Block without comment” campaign, launched by Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, encouraged social media users to block accounts posting offensive or provocative content instead of responding and amplifying their messages.
The initiative sought to discourage online insults, trolling and coordinated harassment by urging users not to engage with accounts attempting to provoke hostility.
By encouraging people to disengage from abusive exchanges, the campaign promoted a more responsible approach to social media interactions and sought to reduce the spread of divisive content across online platforms.
In August 2025, the UAE Journalists Association introduced the initiative at the Arab Youth Media Creativity Summit in Egypt, where it was adopted as part of wider efforts to encourage responsible social media engagement.
The campaign promoted a simple but effective approach to tackling online hostility: rather than responding to provocative accounts spreading insults or divisive messages, users were encouraged to block them without comment and avoid escalating disputes.
As renewed calls for solidarity gain momentum across the Gulf, the initiative’s message has taken on fresh significance. Prominent personalities and everyday social media users alike are highlighting the deep-rooted friendships, shared traditions, cultural connections and family ties that continue to unite Gulf societies despite occasional disagreements.
