There were many events this week to make for lively conversation on Twitter. Tweeters celebrated the achievements of the former ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who died in 1990. Twitter users also marked Teachers’ Day on October 5 by expressing their appreciation and gratitude for those helping to enlighten citizens and residents. The new Emirates Airlines advert featuring the American actor Jennifer Aniston offered a lot of fodder to tweeters.
Remembering Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed
Emiratis remembered Sheikh Rashid, who made great strides in transforming Dubai into a modern city and international commercial hub.
@3zan_alsahle766 pointed out how important it is for us to remember the challenges he had to overcome to steer the emirate on the path to progress and prosperity.
“He was a leader of extraordinary vision, skills and determination,” wrote @7820almhemede_3. “It would take days to discuss his qualities and achievements.”
@bent_uae_zayed thanked those who helped establish the union and carried the vision of Sheikh Zayed forward. “May Allah have mercy on their souls.”
Teachers deserve our gratitude
People around the world expressed their respect for teachers’ dedication and hard work to educate young people.
The capital was conspicuous in celebrating the day, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, personally thanking and honouring teachers for their dedication. They perform “a national duty as great as the duty of a soldier who defends his country”, Sheikh Mohammed said.
@MBZNews conveyed Sheikh Mohammed’s message to teachers, in which he appreciated teachers’ “exceptional role in building the nation”.
A note of appreciation also came from Michelle Obama, America’s first lady, who thanked teachers who are trying to make a change. While “62 million girls worldwide are not in school”, she said, adding that she was thankful to teachers who were aiming to change that.
@aworldatschool wondered what could be done to address the shortage of teachers the world is facing.
@madeinafreewrld made a significant point, saying that “child labour would not end without the help of teachers. They are the only people who can “pull children out of fields factories and mines”.
Mohammed @MMAlardhi urged every member of society to “salute their teachers, particularly those who left a positive imprint in their lives”.
A publicity boost for Emirates Airlines
Emirates began a successful campaign with their new advertisement featuring actress Jennifer Aniston. The success could be measured by the sheer numbers – the clip was viewed 800,000 times on YouTube in 24 hours.
The advert also sparked curiosity about the amount invested in its production. @accesshollywood seemed particularly interested in the amount paid to the actress, seeking to confirm whether “Jennifer Aniston was paid $5 million for the campaign”.
Perez Hilton @PerezHilton was sarcastic about the advertisement. “I don’t think Jennifer Aniston knows how airplanes work,” he remarked.
Sheikha @uaeyah was all praise for the ad. So was Marwan @MarwanAbedin, who wondered how the airline’s next campaign would be.
@businessinsider was certain that Emirates scored points with the ad.
Even the Huffington Post thought the ad was intelligent. “Jennifer Aniston’s nightmare is our reality in adorable new Emirates ad,” @HuffingtonPost remarked.
Sarah Khamis is The National’s social media editor
skhamis@thenational.ae
On Twitter: @SarahKhamisUAE