Unlike many council members, the experienced Khalifa Al Suwaidi was undaunted by duty to the nation. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National
Unlike many council members, the experienced Khalifa Al Suwaidi was undaunted by duty to the nation. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

Education, housing and health the focus for FNC’s Khalifa Al Suwaidi



ABU DHABI // Khalifa Al Suwaidi has spent the past three years in the council focusing on improving education, housing and health.

He said there were many issues in these categories that the council had to discuss and solve. It was always trying to improve its services for the nation.

When it came to the challenges he faced, Mr Al Suwaidi said that they were important and always present in terms of education, housing and health. “We always need to improve,” he said.

“I concentrate on these three,” he said. “And modernisation of the country and improving their issues – especially the youth.”

During his first year, Mr Al Suwaidi was the chairman of the Examination of Appeals and Complaints Committee. The committee wanted to set up a hotline for citizens to call if they were unable to solve a problem through any other channel.

He is part of the FNC’s Interior Affairs and Defence Committee. It recently discussed the military service law.

Mr Al Suwaidi, who was appointed from Abu Dhabi, said he has a lot of experience with the Government and with the Emirates Red Crescent, where he was a chairman of the board. Through his previous work, he said, he knew how the FNC functioned and what its duties were. Therefore, he did not face anything unexpected once he began his first term.

As an FNC member, Mr Al Suwaidi did not have a specific campaign, because he was appointed not elected.

But he campaigns to be an active member of the FNC and has also focused on Emiratisation, an important topic for him, as well as improving the country and helping citizens to resolve their issues.

He also believes in training and educating youth for work.

“It is the duty of the FNC to serve the nation.”

As to how the FNC should improve, Mr Al Suwaidi said: “It needs wisdom. Negotiations always need wisdom.”

Overall he is satisfied with everything the council has accomplished in the past three years. Although not all issues had been resolved, he said the FNC was “on target”.

Mr Al Suwaidi has worked as the director general of state security for the Abu Dhabi government, and as deputy chairman for Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

He is also the head of several of private businesses.

newsdesk@thenational.ae

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Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi

Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah

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Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.

Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.

The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.

What can you do?

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Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

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  • Is there a God?
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  • What is inside a black hole?
  • Can we predict the future?
  • Is time travel possible?
  • Will we survive on Earth?
  • Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
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The biog

Name: Salvador Toriano Jr

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Royal wedding inspired menu

Ginger, citrus and orange blossom iced tea

Avocado ranch dip with crudites

Cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese mini club sandwiches

Elderflower and lemon syllabub meringue

MATCH INFO

Championship play-offs, second legs:

Aston Villa 0
Middlesbrough 0

(Aston Villa advance 1-0 on aggregate)

Fulham 2
Sessegnon (47'), Odoi (66')

Derby County 0

(Fulham advance 2-1 on aggregate)

Final

Saturday, May 26, Wembley. Kick off 8pm (UAE) 

Christopher Robin
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Haley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Peter Capaldi
Three stars