‘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.”

 


Expo 2030 Riyadh signs strategic partnership with Saudi Media Forum

Updated 02 February 2026
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Expo 2030 Riyadh signs strategic partnership with Saudi Media Forum

  • Under the partnership, Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as the SMF’s “foresight partner,” in line with the event’s “Foresight for Tomorrow” theme

RIYADH: Expo 2030 Riyadh has formalized a strategic partnership with the Saudi Media Forum as organizers step up preparations for event.

The agreement was signed on Monday during a ceremony attended by Talal Al-Marri, CEO of the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company, and Mohammed Al-Harthi, chairman of the Saudi Media Forum and president of the Arab States Broadcasting Union.

Under the partnership, Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as the SMF’s “foresight partner,” in line with the event’s “Foresight for Tomorrow” theme.

The collaboration will also see the expo play a prominent role in this year’s forum, which is currently taking place until Wednesday, highlighting its significant by engaging with Saudi Arabia’s media ecosystem.

SMF has also committed to supporting Expo 2030 Riyadh through opportunities across leading media outlets throughout the year, aiming to strengthen engagement with audiences across the Kingdom.

“Our partnership with the Saudi Media Forum is a key enabler as we progress toward delivering Expo 2030 Riyadh,” said Al-Marri.

“By working closely with a vital platform whose reach extends across the Kingdom, we are strengthening our ability to communicate (the) expo’s vision, purpose and legacy. Through this collaboration, we are looking forward to engaging audiences in Saudi Arabia to build momentum and reinforce the impact of Expo 2030 Riyadh beyond the event itself.

Al-Harthi said the agreement underlined the importance of media in supporting major national initiatives.

“Expo 2030 Riyadh is a significant moment for Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi Media Forum is proud to support its success by amplifying its story and contribution to the Kingdom,” he said.