FNC called to session for fourth, final term

ABU DHABI // The Federal National Council was called to session on Sunday by Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE.

Security was high at the FNC headquarters as military guards awaited the arrival of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who would officially open council proceedings on behalf of Sheikh Khalifa.

An array of flags had been raised on Saturday night in preparation for the occasion. A red carpet was laid down and staff were on standby for the visit.

Sunday marked the start of the FNC’s last year of a four-year term and final conclusion to the 15th legislative chapter before a new council is elected by the nation and appointed by the rulers.

“It will be a good year,” said Hamad Al Rahoomi, a Dubai member.

FNC members started pouring in to the Abu Dhabi chamber, tucked behind Spinney’s in Khalidiya, more than an hour ahead of schedule.

Several female members – Afra Al Basti and Ayesha Al Yammahi among them – were the first inside the council chambers, taking seats in the front, closest to the speaker’s podium.

A few minutes before noon and before schedule, the building – filled with members of the ruling family, crown princes, military officials, ministers, ambassadors, and other high-ranking officials – fell silent. Sheikh Mohammed had arrived.

After standing to the sound of the national anthem in front of members of the Army, Sheikh Mohammed made his way inside the FNC alongside the speaker, Mohammed Al Murr.

There he met a number of FNC members before making his descent into the hall to officially open the session by reading out a Presidential decree calling the council to convene.

“In the name of God Almighty, today we open the ordinary session of the 15th legislative chapter to your esteemed council, wishing you success in dealing with the nation’s and nationals’ issues in all honesty and responsibility, in order to safeguard the federation,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“We ask God Almighty to guide our steps, and to help us in ensuring the happiness of our people, and the protection of our country, and to protect its gains.”

Mr Al Murr followed with an opening speech, highlighting the council’s achievements.

“It is not surprising that the UAE occupies this elevated place thanks to its national achievements, at global standards,” he said. “Which comes as a natural result of the country’s proper approach, based on a clear vision.”

He continued to say the FNC carried out its constitutional role to support the country’s stability and development.

Development in the parliamentary political process in the country has put the FNC in front of challenges, he said, notably the improvement of its general performance within the framework of its constitutional, legislative and supervisory mandates.

“The council’s [previous] terms were rich with activities and achievements,” he said. “The Government referred to the council several draft laws that it had approved after it studied them carefully, and the council addressed them with the concerned authorities in deep sessions and debates in order to be up to date with developments to continuously work to modernise the country’s legislative system in all sectors.”

Within 20 minutes, the pomp and circumstance was over.

Sheikh Mohammed left the building and the council went back to work.

osalem@thenational.ae