A heated dispute unfolded on the social media platform X between prominent Emirati and Saudi figures following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement of his intent to officially recognise the State of Palestine.
A Contested Narrative of Influence
The controversy began with a post by Emirati academic Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, who attributed France’s decision to collective Arab diplomacy. In his tweet, he stated:
“All Gulf states, along with several Arab countries, contributed to convincing France to recognise the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state.”
However, the tweet triggered a wave of criticism from Saudi commentators, who argued that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the sole driver behind persuading France, without the need for a broader Arab coalition.
Saudi journalist Adhwan Al-Ahmari directly responded, asserting:
“Saudi Arabia alone worked with the French President and exerted efforts to persuade him to recognise a Palestinian state. Macron even attempted to convince Britain and Canada months ago. The reports and meetings are documented, and Reuters published the full details. There’s no need to downplay Riyadh’s role or its leadership in this Arab initiative.”
Emirati Pushback and Mutual Reproaches
Emirati influencer Hassan Sajwani countered Al-Ahmari’s statement, saying:
“No one denied Saudi Arabia’s efforts. But belittling the contributions of others—particularly the UAE—without evidence does not befit your respected media persona.”
Saudi journalist Salman Al-Ansari also joined the fray, sharply criticising Abdulla’s framing:
“While I appreciate your attempt to share the credit with ‘all Gulf states’ and ‘some Arab countries’ as if it were an award ceremony, history isn’t written through vague generalisations. The core role in convincing France to recognise Palestine was exclusively Saudi—through a year-long effort led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, as clearly documented by Reuters.”
Saudi academic Jarrah Al-Murshidi went further, accusing the UAE of attempting to “capitalise” on the French decision, stating:
“Climbing on the backs of others’ efforts is disgraceful—especially when it’s masked as patriotic. History won’t forget.”
These Saudi responses to Abdulkhaleq Abdulla consistently accused him of minimising the Kingdom’s diplomatic achievements in favour of a shared Arab narrative.
A Rare Interjection from Emirati Royalty
In a notable and unexpected intervention, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi—wife of the ruler of Sharjah, Dr Sultan Al Qasimi—chastised both sides with a pointed tweet that quickly went viral.
She wrote:
“Now begins the foolish competition between some Arab states—arguing about who sent aid first or who spoke up first. Then it turns into accusations and hostility. ‘I sent help before you!’—‘No, we spoke to France before you!’ Who’s going to shout ‘We beat you to it’ next? Wake up.”
France’s Position on Palestine
French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced his plan to officially recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. The declaration comes amid increased European support for Palestinian statehood following the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
