Israel-Hamas conflict: UAE deports Abu Dhabi college student who shouted ‘Free Palestine’ slogan

A student of the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) was deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after he shouted “Free Palestine!” slogan during a graduation ceremony which was conducted in May.

The student, while wearing a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, shouted pro-Palestine slogans as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma while graduating from the campus, news agency Associated Press reported.

The incident reflects the UAE’s delicate balance between its diplomatic recognition of Israel and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite offering aid to Palestinians, the UAE has seen no large-scale protests due to its strict control over speech and political activities.

Several students said that activities supporting the Israel-Hamas conflict have been prohibited on the campus, and they have experienced repression at cultural events in the country’s capital. Additionally, those wearing the keffiyeh have been prevented from entering these events.

“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,” said one student as quoted by AP.

The NYUAD reportedly stated that while it maintains academic authority on campus, it has no control over local laws and immigration actions.

Jacqueline Hennecke, an NYU Abu Dhabi alumni who graduated in May, told the AP that the university sent an email prior to graduation banning all “cultural attire” at the commencement — including scarves.

The student who disregarded the order and yelled “Free Palestine” on stage ultimately found himself in police custody prior to his deportation, according to the American Association of University Professors, which supports free speech and academic freedom efforts.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) alleged that NYUAD has failed to protect students and staff from detention and deportation, particularly those from non-Western countries.

This is not the first controversy for NYUAD, which has previously faced criticism for labour violations and visa denials for faculty.

The UAE, a close ally of the US, continues to maintain diplomatic ties with Israel, including daily flights and consular services, while closely monitoring pro-Palestinian activities.

The war began October 7 with Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage. The Israeli offensive has killed over 38,000 Palestinians in Gaza, local health officials say, without delineating between civilians and combatants. Hundreds more have been killed in Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank.

During a recent comedy festival in Abu Dhabi, security guards confiscated keffiyehs from attendees, though one audience member did shout “Free Palestine” during a performance by American comedian Dave Chappelle, who referred to the situation in Gaza as a ‘genocid’.