A storm erupted in the Dubai newspaper, where several editors and editor-in-chief were questioned, and then weeks later, dozens of employees were dismissed and the newspaper was announced after publishing a report on fuel prices in Dubai.
The Associated Press reported that the editors agreed that the report on the fuel price hike was acceptable even under the UAE's strict press laws.
According to Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments (IMI), which publishes the newspaper, "the closure came only after it turned into a new Arabic-language business outlet with CNN."
The Associated Press quoted 8 people familiar with what was confirmed that "the layoffs came after the publication of the article on fuel prices in the United Arab Emirates."
The newspaper adds that the sources, who stipulated that their identities not be disclosed, show the extent of censorship and control over the local media.
The newspaper had conducted interviews with Emirati citizens about fuel prices in the UAE, and a report spread through social media on the second of last June, especially regarding fuel filling operations near the border with the Sultanate of Oman, and hours later the report was deleted from the newspaper's website.
Al Roya newspaper was established in Arabic in 2012, and then underwent development 3 years ago, and became the provider of local and international news for Arab youth.