Tribes spontaneously state loyalty to rulers
Gulf News
A number of leading Emirati tribes held a series of meetings in Abu Dhabi in the past two weeks aimed at reiterating their covenant and loyalty to the state and the leaders of the UAE.It doesn't say Al Shehi is a member of the tribe, but what else could this mean? Added. The first comment below explains: intermarriage.
The meetings were a spontaneous reaction by the tribes to demonstrate support and respect to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Rulers of the Emirates following irresponsible comments by Ahmad Mansour Al Shehi and two other political activists meant to offend the symbol of the states, according to the heads of the tribes.
Al Za'ab tribe, one of leading UAE tribes held a rally on Thursday and Friday last week at the Abu Dhabi Intercontinental Hotel in the presence of a large number of leading figures in the tribe led by Ahmad Jumaa Al Za'abi, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs and one of the elders of the tribe Al Za'ab, and hundreds of the members of the tribe.
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He did not confirm or deny the news referring to the tribe's intention to file a court case against the activists Ahmad Al Shehi and his companions.
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Al Za'abi concluded, saying that "Al Za'ab tribe members came on Thursday and Friday and registered their names in the tribe members' list leaving the decision in regard with Al Shehi to the tribe's leaders to act as they deem appropriate.
Labels: Arab Spring
posted by John B. Chilton at 5/10/2011 04:53:00 AM
4 Comments:
A person's tribe his his last name (and in some cases his last 2 names)
The Zaab tribe are people with the last name of Al Zaabi
Ppl with the last name al Shehhi are of the Shuhooh tribe.
Both originate from the regions of Ras Al Khaimah. So they are close to each other though not connected except by marriages.
MANY other tribes have held similar events in the last 4 weeks.
One should note that the Za'ab are originally from Ras Al Khaimah emirate (Jazirat az Za'ab) but many left in the 1960s after a dispute with the shaikh of RAK. They were given refuge in Abu Dhabi. A good enough reason for a demonstration of loyalty.
Abu Dhabi is one of the best states of Gulf region but nowadays its government is much more frustrated than other states as compared to Ras Al Khaimah state. I hope that this tribal hide and seek can help it resolve economic issues.
This is a very informative blog post. Now that I am living in Dubai , it is very good to know a bit about how politics works in this part of the country. Thanks for this article.
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