Foiling the Electronic Swarm Conspiracy: UAE-Saudi Warning Against Inciters of Discord

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The longstanding fraternal relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have repeatedly been a target of “electronic flies”—online misinformation campaigns that periodically emerge in futile attempts to incite discord.

Officials and relevant authorities in both countries have chosen to nip these attempts in the bud, warning against falling into the trap of these dubious campaigns by sharing or engaging with any content that may contribute to the malicious objectives of their instigators.

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In this regard, the UAE’s National Media Office issued an official statement urging social media users to act responsibly regarding the content they publish or share across various platforms.

The statement highlighted the continued coordination with competent authorities to monitor any violations on social media and take appropriate action against them.

It also emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical and legal guidelines when using digital platforms and refraining from posting any content that may be offensive or derogatory toward national symbols, public figures, or allied and friendly nations and their communities.

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Call for Ethical Conduct on Social Media

Similarly, Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the Emirates Media Council, took to “X” (formerly Twitter) to call on users to embody “the morals of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in peace, in the world of social media” to ensure that digital platforms reflect his humanitarian values.

In Saudi Arabia, Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), warned against “fake accounts or those with hidden agendas” attempting to damage Gulf relations. Through his “X” account, he asserted that “Gulf relations are deeper than anything… They are built on religion, blood ties, customs, traditions, kinship, and brotherhood.” He also posted a picture of the UAE’s founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, accompanied by poetic verses praising him, emphasizing that his values serve as a model for all Arabs.

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As has been the case with previous electronic fly campaigns seeking to stir discord among Gulf nations, particularly between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the past few days have seen a wave of orchestrated attacks on social media targeting Gulf states and their leaders. The individuals behind these efforts aim to sow division and incite tensions, especially between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Most participants in these campaigns operate from fake accounts linked to electronic fly networks. They typically display the symbol of the nation they claim to represent while launching attacks on another country to instigate conflicts between the two. These posts are then amplified by accounts affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and anti-Gulf factions, which seek to escalate the situation. Unfortunately, some patriotic individuals may fall for the bait and unknowingly contribute to the cycle of offense.

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UAE’s Official Warning

As always, the UAE acted swiftly to counter these malicious plots. The National Media Office reiterated the importance of all social media users adhering to the values and principles that reflect the country’s policies based on respect, tolerance, and coexistence.

In an official statement, the office underscored the necessity of upholding ethical and legal standards when using digital platforms and avoiding content that could be deemed offensive or demeaning toward national symbols, public figures, or allied and friendly nations.

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The statement further emphasized that, in collaboration with relevant authorities, legal measures will be taken against any individuals who violate these directives, in accordance with the country’s established laws designed to maintain a secure and balanced digital environment that fosters mutual respect.

Additionally, the statement warned that spreading misinformation, promoting hate speech, or engaging in defamation—whether explicitly, implicitly, or through insinuation—constitutes a violation subject to strict legal penalties.

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It stressed that all citizens bear a collective responsibility in upholding the UAE’s positive reputation. This principle was affirmed by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who reminded the nation’s people that they serve as ambassadors of the UAE and must reinforce its esteemed global standing through their knowledge, good manners, and national spirit. He stated:

“Everything you do, whether positive or negative, reflects your Emirati identity. We are all responsible for cultivating a positive reputation for this country because each of us is a guardian, and each of us is accountable for preserving that reputation.”

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The National Media Office also encouraged social media users to exercise responsibility in the content they share and circulate across platforms.

It reiterated its ongoing collaboration with relevant authorities to monitor and address any violations on social media. Furthermore, it urged individuals to report any inappropriate or offensive content through official channels, reinforcing efforts to maintain a responsible and credible digital media environment.

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High-Level Warnings Against Discord

Prominent officials from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia issued warnings against the ongoing campaign aimed at instigating discord between the two nations.

Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, in a post on “X,” reiterated the call to embrace “the morals of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in peace, in the world of social media.”

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He further stated:

“The values of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in peace, will remain a steadfast path and a guiding light for the people of the UAE. We take inspiration from his words and actions. In the realm of social media, we must uphold this enduring legacy. His wisdom teaches us kindness, his humility instills respect in us, and his generosity motivates us to give back.”

He continued:

“Let us be ambassadors of his noble values—tolerance, authenticity, and generosity. Let us make our platforms a reflection of his humanitarian vision, inspired by the principles our wise leadership strives to uphold. May our interactions reflect his noble character, and may we engrain his values in our dealings with others.”

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In turn, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia (GEA), Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Sheikh, shared a photo of the founder, Sheikh Zayed, on his account on the social network “X.” The post was accompanied by poetic verses praising him and emphasizing that his morals serve as a model for all Arabs. He also added emojis symbolizing the bonds of love and brotherhood that unite Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

He followed up with another post warning against “fake accounts or those with agendas” that seek to harm the Gulf countries.

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In his post, he stated: “Gulf relations run deeper than anything… They are ties of religion, blood, customs, traditions, kinship, and brotherhood… Do not think you are defending your country by insulting others… It is shameful to witness such offenses, especially in this sacred month… The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (A believer is neither a slanderer, nor a curser, nor vulgar, nor obscene)… Who benefits from sowing discord among us?”

He added: “Any pride or success from northern Kuwait to southern Oman is a source of pride and success for all of us… The one who offends only represents themselves and no one else!… And I have exhausted my voice repeating: beware of fake accounts or those with agendas… May God protect our Gulf, our leaders, our rulers, and our people from any envious person and continue to bestow His blessings upon us… We are envied—stay alert.”

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Widespread Interaction

People from both countries quickly responded to these calls and warnings, affirming the bonds of love and brotherhood that unite the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Emirati user Saleh Al-Shehi responded to Turki Al Sheikh’s tweet, saying: “A historic tweet that reflects reality. Yes, as Gulf citizens, we are envied for the blessings of security, for our leaders, and for many other gifts from God. Discord leads only to destruction. We are one family and complement each other. We share ties of blood and lineage. O Lord, preserve our security and keep us away from strife. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Abu Nasser, your tweets always warm our hearts.”

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Similarly, Saudi user Rima Al-Ruwailey tweeted: “Because our Gulf is one, and our blood is the same… Do not judge Gulf peoples based on what you see on social media… The people of the Gulf—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar—are united and uphold noble morals and genuine human values… Their reality is beautiful… They are generous, hospitable, warm-hearted, and deeply rooted in their traditions, culture, and religion… Do not be deceived by what you see in the virtual world.”

Saudi journalist Qinan Al-Ghamdi also supported Turki Al Sheikh’s warnings, saying: “The most important thing is that some of our Saudi brothers do not get carried away by these loud voices and never believe them!”

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In the same vein, Emirati user Amin Al-Arji tweeted: “The Gulf is one home, and the bonds of brotherhood, kinship, and marriage among its people run deep in history. It is, therefore, essential for everyone to be aware and vigilant against the discord spread by enemies from time to time and to shut all doors in their faces.”

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