The United Arab Emirates blocked distribution of the Sunday Times newspaper over the weekend due to its “insulting” coverage of the Dubai debt crisis. The National Media Council blocked the distribution of newspaper due to upset caused by an image which depicted ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum sinking under a sea of debt. An official from the council told AFP: “We cannot accept a personal insult.” Read more here
Maqbool Fida Husain, hailed by many as India’s Picasso, has been told his paintings will not be displayed at the India Art Summit, the countries biggest art extravaganza for the second year in a row. The 94-year-olds paintings have drawn criticism, as well as lawsuits, from hard-line Hindus who are angered that some depict Hindu goddesses in the nude. The Muslim artist went to exile in Dubai three years ago. Read more here
Dubai’s censorship extends far beyond book festivals, says Christopher Davidson
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