Arab Artists Boycott UAE Events Over Israel Normalization Deal

"Considering that if art is not closely linked to humanitarian and justice issues, it has no value, I cancel my participation in your exhibition," wrote Palestinian photographer Mohamed Badarne to the Sharjah Art Foundation, one of the seven emirates of the Federation. Like him, many Arab artists have boycotted prizes and cultural events supported by the Emirates following the announcement of the normalization of relations with Israel on August 13.

Moroccan novelist Zohra Ramij, shortlisted for several literary awards including the Sheikh Zayed Prize named after the former Emirati president, has canceled her participation "in solidarity with the Palestinian people." Her compatriot, the poet Mohammed Bennis, has decided not to take an active part in the organization of the prize. "It would be a sin to receive an Emirati prize," says Palestinian author Ahmed Abou Salim. He withdrew from the competition for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF). "I am an intellectual who supports the Palestinian cause, whatever the cost," he told AFP.

This prize is supported by the Booker Prize Foundation in London and is funded by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. In a letter, former laureates and jury members called on IPAF officials to turn their backs on Emirati funding.

In the eyes of Omar Barghouti, a Palestinian leader of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, these boycotts are "a natural and patriotic response from Arab intellectuals." And he warns: those who think they can profit from the Israeli-Emirati agreement "will see their companies (...) boycotted."