Even The Emiratis Want Change

But it’s still limited to intellectuals:

A group of Emirati intellectuals and activists on Wednesday petitioned the president of the Gulf state to introduce direct elections and vest the parliament with legislative powers. The petition, posted online, cites “rapid regional and international developments that necessitate improving national participation,” in calling for the direct election of all members of the Federal National Council (FNC), which serves only as an advisory body.

The fact that UAE residents want change can raise many eyebrows, as the UAE has been one of the most spectacular Arab success stories in the last decade (although a bit diminished lately). This is proof that, if anything, the Arab spring is not about putting food on the table, it’s about dignity and self rule.