‘He doesn’t represent us’: Saudis tweet in solidarity with Americans over Florida Navy base shooting

Saudis posted saying the attacker in no way represented the Saudi people. (File image)
Updated 07 December 2019
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‘He doesn’t represent us’: Saudis tweet in solidarity with Americans over Florida Navy base shooting

  • Three people were killed and several injured in the attack at the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida
  • Saudis tweet concerns using the Arabic hashtag which translates as: #Florida_Criminal_Does_not_represent_us

JEDDAH: Saudis took to social media to offer heartfelt condolences in solidarity with Americans after a Saudi student opened fire at a US Navy base in Florida on Friday. 

Three people were killed and several injured in the attack at the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. The gunman was shot and killed.

Under several hashtags, most prominently an Arabic one which translates to #Florida_Criminal_Does_not_represent_us, Saudis expressed deep sympathy with those affected.

Abdullah Al-Najdi said on Twitter: “He does not represent Saudi Arabia and only represents his devious ideology. Criminals exist in every religion and every country. He is responsible for his own action.”

Another Twitter user said: “Saudi people are against terrorism and terrorists. We are with tolerance and peace.”

Hamad Al-Mansour said: “No doubt that this is a criminal act that does not represent us. We reject any act of aggression anywhere and any place. King Salman said it that this shooter does not represent us. My condolences to the American people.”

@Samahafam said: “Saudis are denouncing the heinous barbaric act of the Florida attack. ‘Florida’s criminal does not represent us’ is trending in Saudi Arabia. Our condolences to our American friends. 

@lionnsser said the attacker was a criminal who did not represent Islam.

“Saudi Arabia is always working on spreading peace, tolerance and coexistence between people.” 

Another Twitter user described the attack as a “heinous crime.”

“We regret every incident in which innocent lives have been killed. Everyone should know that this event has nothing to do with religion or the homeland, our condolences to the families of the dead,” the user said.

@nai901 said: “Saudi Arabia foiled many terrorist attempts around the world. Saudi scholarship students saved many people and placed their lives in danger, some of them died doing it. This is an isolated incident that is condemned by Saudi people and government.” 

@MosaedJaser also said the attacker “does not represent our religion that prohibits the murder of innocent people.”

“He does not represent our government and leaders,” he added. “Saudi Arabia was in the lead front in fighting extremism. He does not represent us.” 

Mishap Al-Dafiri said: “Our government stands firm against extremism and supports peace and security around the world. He does not represent us and our religion.”

 


Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport

Updated 24 January 2026
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Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport

  • A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events

JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.

The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.

The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)

The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.

According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.

• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.

• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year. 

John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”

The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)

Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”

Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.

“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”

The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.

Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.

They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.