University student yelled 'Free Palestine’, deported from UAE

At a May graduation ceremony at New York University Abu Dhabi, a student wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh shouted "Free Palestine!" while receiving his diploma. Shortly after, he was reportedly deported from the UAE. The incident underscores the UAE's tightrope of diplomatic relations with Israel amidst geopolitical tensions, with strict laws limiting political expression. Despite NYU Abu Dhabi's claims of academic autonomy, local laws prevail. The American Association of University Professors criticized the university for not protecting its community, noting prior detainments and deportations in the UAE.