Chris Hemsworth Reaps Criticism Of Abu Dhabi Tourism Promotion

Chris Hemsworth during the promotion of Abu Dhabi tourism (Instagram/@visitabudhabi).

JAKARTA - Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth has drawn criticism for promoting tourism in Abu Dhabi. He uploaded the promotional video on his social media on November 6, 2024.

In the one-minute video advertising, Chris Hemsworth appears with his wife, Elsa Pataky. They pretend to shoot a tense action film.

As Chris Hemsworth hangs out on the edge of the building to save himself, he talks to his wife that he wants a vacation.

The scene then continued showing Chris and Elsa enjoying various tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi with their children.

The activities they do include kayak, surfing, and even riding a horse in the desert.

In an interview with Conde Nast Traveller, Chris also admitted that he really liked Abu Dhabi as a vacation destination not far from his Australian residence.

"That place has become a destination and a type of vacation in itself. They have a lot to do for kids, like the very fun Yas Water World park," said Chris Hemsworth.

However, since uploading the Abu Dhabi promotional advertisement, Chris Hemsworth has drawn criticism from netizens of the country.

This happened because he promoted tourism from countries that were considered to have failed in upholding human rights (HAM) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"Aren't you rich enough to take money and ignore human rights violations," commented the netizen.

"Iklan untuk negara yang tak peduli dengan hak asasi manusia? Yang benar saja," ucap yang lain.

"Disappropriate! You don't even really need that money to promote countries that abuse human rights," added another.

Meanwhile, as reported by The Guardian, the issue of human rights violations in Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE is indeed rapidly reaping the spotlight.

Local governments have been protested for suppressing free speech, peaceful protests, dissent through arbitrary arrests, detentions, and several cases of torture against political prisoners.