Emirati Professor Expelled for Tweet

After 30 years of service, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) decided to abruptly dismiss Aisha al-Nuaimi, a professor of media and mass communication.

The decision came shortly after she posted a tweet criticising the university’s admissions policy and transformation program.

Freedom of expression in the UAE is virtually non-existent and peaceful criticism of the UAE government, its institutions, police and the royal families is prohibited and can lead to long prison sentences. 

The UAE is currently at position 133 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index issued every year by Reporters without Borders.