Student Deported After Shouting ‘Free Palestine’ at NYU Abu Dhabi Graduation
In a dramatic turn of events, a New York University Abu Dhabi student was deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after boldly proclaiming “Free Palestine!” during his graduation ceremony. Witnesses report that the student, draped in the traditional Palestinian black-and-white keffiyeh scarf, made the impassioned statement as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has left the Gaza Strip devastated. The UAE, while providing aid to Palestinians, has maintained a delicate balance between its diplomatic recognition of Israel and the sentiments of its own population. Unlike the mass demonstrations seen elsewhere in the Arab world, the UAE tightly controls speech, and political parties remain illegal.
At NYU Abu Dhabi, students have felt the impact of this delicate situation. Activities related to the war have been restricted, and cultural events in the capital have seen those wearing keffiyehs denied entry. One student, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisals, noted that the government’s laws don’t necessarily align with creating an environment that appeals to Western ideals of freedom of speech.
NYU Abu Dhabi responded to inquiries from The Associated Press, emphasizing its “guaranteed academic authority” on campus. However, the university clarified that members of the NYU community are not immune from local law. The school had advised students repeatedly about expectations and boundaries, including protocols for the graduation ceremony.
The Emirati government remained silent on the matter.
Prior to the graduation, students were explicitly informed that displaying the Palestinian flag anywhere on campus was prohibited—even within residential buildings. Several students, all speaking anonymously, described similar circumstances leading up to the graduation. Those who had previously organized fundraisers for keffiyehs and vigils for Gaza’s dead found themselves affected.
Jacqueline Hennecke, an NYU Abu Dhabi alumna who graduated in May, revealed that the university had sent an email banning all “cultural attire” at the commencement, scarves included. The student who defied this order and shouted “Free Palestine!” on stage was subsequently taken into police custody and deported. The American Association of University Professors, which advocates for free speech and academic freedom, documented the incident.
Despite the university’s efforts, students, staff, and faculty have faced detention and interrogation by government security offices. The UAE, which operates both a consulate in Dubai and an embassy in Abu Dhabi, continues daily flights to Israel. Meanwhile, Western airlines have been slow to resume flights to Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. Security officials closely monitored pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the U.N. COP28 climate talks hosted by Dubai in November.
As anger simmers among UAE residents, including Emiratis and other nationalities, the situation remains tense. At the recent Abu Dhabi Comedy Festival, security guards prevented people wearing keffiyehs from entering the event. However, one woman defiantly shouted “Free Palestine!” during a performance by American comedian Dave Chappelle, who labeled the events in Gaza a “genocide.” The clash of ideologies and political sensitivities continues to reverberate in the UAE.
