Emirates Writers Union bans members from dealing with Qatar

CAIRO – 18 June 2017: Emirates Writers Union banned its members from dealing with any Qatari organization or participating in any activity organized or financed by Qatar.

The step comes in the aftermath of the decision of cutting ties with Qatar made by several Arab countries, including United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The union based in Abu Dhabi issued a press release on Sunday stating “All writers, intellects, and well-accomplished individuals working in the field of writing and creativity must not deal with any Qatari entities, whether institutions or individuals, inside or outside the country (UAE).”

The statement continued “Any person communicating with or participate in any activity affiliated to or funded by Qatar will be held accountable.”

The union announced the expulsion of Qatar from the upcoming 8th Session of the Emirates Forum on Gulf Creativity. Thereby, participation will be exclusive to UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, and Iraq.

The union Chair Habib Al-Sayegh stated in the press release that “Our decision of cutting ties with a country which had been proved of supporting terrorism is to protect our freedom and principles and to defend the environment of diversity and openness upon, which the Emirati state was founded.”