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Arab States Cancel New Year's Festivities

Celebrations halted in solidarity with Gaza

By Sarah Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2008 10:57 AM CST
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(Newser) – Dubai's ruler has canceled its ritzy public New Year's Eve celebrations "in solidarity with the Palestinian people" in Gaza, the Times of London reports. Festivities also were called off in Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. In Dubai, residents and tourists scrambled to come up with alternative plans. "We probably won’t know what we’re doing until 10 to midnight," said one British expat.

Dubai hotels and restaurants still planned to hold indoor celebrations, but outdoor parties were canceled. "I think everyone is a bit stuffed about what to do," another Brit said. "You feel a little bit bad if you do go out and celebrate." However, a Shakira concert in Abu Dhabi and events in Lebanon will go on as planned.

Residents of Dubai gather on Jumeirah Beach to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza on Tuesday.
Residents of Dubai gather on Jumeirah Beach to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza on Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Nousha Salimi)
Fireworks light up the sky over Dubai's Atlantis resort on Nov. 20, 2008. The city's New Year's Eve celebrations have been canceled due to the Gaza violence.
Fireworks light up the sky over Dubai's Atlantis resort on Nov. 20, 2008. The city's New Year's Eve celebrations have been canceled due to the Gaza violence.   (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
Turks set a Star of David on fire as they protest Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip in front of the Israeli embassy in Ankara, Turkey, on Sunday.
Turks set a Star of David on fire as they protest Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip in front of the Israeli embassy in Ankara, Turkey, on Sunday.   (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Newser001
Dec 31, 2008 1:32 AM CST
Perhaps more pertinent and relevant, Dubai finds itself in a serious capital crunch, monetary resources drying up, as investment dwindles and withdrawals intensify, with the global economic downturn (not to marginalize Gaza/Israel conflict, but interesting how many Arab States did not encourage peace, and encourage Hamas to stop its missiles). Understand, Dubai has no natural resources to speak of, 60-70% of its population are migrant workers, of differing nationalities, which the vast majority are seriously abused (practicing of other faiths, other than Islam, is forbidden). Dubai produces virtually nothing. It's primarily function - a Wall Street of the Middle-East for venture capitalist, and international commodities trader… BTW, if you have an Israeli stamp on your passport, or are perceived as Jewish, you'll likely be denied access to Dubai (and most other Arab nations)... This mandate has been in practice since Israel's statehood.

Official events canceled
AFP

Israel rejects call for truce
Reuters

 
Turkey • Jordan • Syria • Gaza • Hamas • Egypt • Dubai • New Year's Eve • New Year

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