WAM warns against fake Twitter accounts to defame UAE

CAIRO – 22 August 2017: The official Emirates News Agency (WAM) said on Monday that it has recently discovered that some fake Twitter accounts held the name of the agency and were used to spread fake news about the UAE.

The official news agency resorted to getting digital help to close these accounts.

WAM noted that these fake sites purposefully use the very same name and logos of the real websites in an attempt to deceive readers.

WAM also urged all readers not to perpetuate false news cycles by sharing or retweeting such stories on their social media networks.

It encouraged Twitter users to ensure that they share the news from well-established, trusted and credible news sources.

Since the Arab quartet severed its ties with Doha over accusations of its support for terror and meddling in the internal affairs of its neighbors, many world leaders and top diplomats, including the emir of Kuwait, have tried mediating, but none have been successful in ending the rift.

Sheikh Abdullah, the grandson of the Emir of Qatar Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani, launched recently his official Twitter account to brief the public on his mediation efforts creating hope that he could achieve full reconciliation between Doha and members of the Arab quartet.

A number of Twitter users from Arab and Gulf states have appreciated Sheikh Abdullah’s mediation initiative with Saudi Arabia under current political and economic rift.

The users expressed solidarity and unity with Sheikh Abdullah in current situation after he tweeted on Friday to thank Saudi King Salman bin Abdelaziz for his decision to open the Salwa border crossing for the entry of Qatari pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's territories without electronic permits.