A political commentator believes young people in the UAE should be more involved in public and political discussions, using confident and expressive language to share ideas, debate issues, and shape future policies.
Commentator urges greater youth participation in UAE political discussions, encouraging bolder, more outspoken language
A well-known UAE political analyst has urged greater participation by Emiratis—particularly young people—in political discussions, calling on them to be more visible and vocal in the public sphere. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a retired political science professor and non-resident senior fellow at Harvard University, said youth engagement in political discourse, especially online, is essential regardless of whether opinions are shared through writing or video.
Speaking during a panel on the opening day of the three-day 1 Billion Followers Summit, which brings together digital creators and influencers, Abdulla highlighted the need for more Emirati voices shaping conversations on social and political issues. He noted that the UAE faces increasing scrutiny and opposition online, and stressed that Emiratis themselves are best positioned to articulate the country’s perspectives. “I would like to see dozens, even hundreds, of Emirati commentators actively engaging,” he said.
Abdulla emphasised that politics extends far beyond government decisions and policies, touching everyday aspects of life such as sports, culture, food, and environmental issues. He argued that understanding political dynamics is no longer optional. “Anyone who ignores politics today is disconnected from how the world actually functions,” he said, adding that political awareness is central to understanding global developments and power structures.
The veteran commentator, who has been writing and analysing political affairs for more than 30 years, also spoke about the importance of impactful expression. He said compelling commentary requires bold and emotionally engaging language—what he described as “spice”—to resonate with audiences and remain relevant. Without this edge, he warned, content risks becoming forgettable or ineffective.
Active on social media platform X, Abdulla frequently shares his views on UAE, regional, and international politics, often attracting criticism from opposing voices. He said disagreement and backlash are inevitable in political commentary but should not discourage writers or content creators. According to him, standing firm in one’s views and continuing to engage despite criticism is part of participating meaningfully in political discourse.
Abdulla also highlighted the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping political awareness and public opinion, especially among younger generations. He said social media has become a powerful space where narratives are formed, challenged, and reshaped in real time. With this influence comes responsibility, he added, urging young Emiratis to engage thoughtfully, factually, and confidently. Rather than shying away from sensitive topics, Abdulla encouraged them to contribute perspectives grounded in national identity, lived experience, and informed analysis. He stressed that meaningful participation helps counter misinformation and ensures that conversations about the UAE are not dominated by external or uninformed voices.
The commentator further noted that many young people hesitate to enter political discussions due to fear of criticism or making mistakes. Abdulla argued that this hesitation can only be overcome through practice, learning, and confidence-building. He called for stronger emphasis on political education, critical thinking, and media literacy, saying these skills empower youth to articulate their views effectively. By understanding history, regional dynamics, and global affairs, young Emiratis can engage constructively rather than emotionally. Abdulla said confidence grows over time and that making one’s voice heard, even imperfectly, is better than remaining silent in crucial debates.
Addressing the influencer community directly, Abdulla said content creators have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between politics and everyday life. He encouraged influencers to integrate political awareness into discussions on culture, lifestyle, sports, and social issues, making politics more accessible and relatable. According to him, politics does not need to be confined to formal commentary or academic language. Instead, it can be woven into storytelling, personal experiences, and creative formats that resonate with wider audiences. This approach, he said, can help normalise political discussion and draw in audiences who may otherwise feel disconnected.
Abdulla also spoke at length about resilience in the face of online criticism, noting that political engagement inevitably attracts opposition. He said criticism, backlash, and even hostility are part of public life, particularly in digital spaces where anonymity often amplifies negativity. Rather than retreating, he advised commentators to develop emotional resilience and clarity of purpose. Constructive criticism should be absorbed, he said, while malicious attacks should not derail meaningful dialogue. According to Abdulla, enduring disagreement is a sign of relevance, and the willingness to continue speaking reflects commitment to ideas rather than popularity.
Concluding his remarks, Abdulla expressed hope for a more dynamic, diverse, and confident political conversation in the UAE’s future. He said greater youth participation would strengthen national dialogue and better reflect the country’s evolving society. By encouraging open discussion, respectful disagreement, and expressive language, he believes political discourse can mature without becoming divisive. Abdulla stressed that the goal is not confrontation, but contribution—adding informed voices that reflect national interests while engaging with global realities. Over time, he said, such participation will help shape a more informed, resilient, and engaged generation.
