ABU DHABI // A campaign should be launched to make the general public more aware of the true role the FNC plays.
This is the view of Mohammed Al Raqbani, an appointed member from Fujairah.
“It has to go step-by-step to get the proper message out,” he says. “We suggested any new law must be explained to the public, instead of just telling them vaguely what it’s about. It is beneficial because people will obey the rules and regulations.”
Reaching out to students as part of the Schools' Parliament will provide a better understanding of the council's power, he says, and it will start "at a young age".
“We started with the Schools’ Parliament, went to schools to tell students what we do,” he says.
One of the 20 appointed members, Mr Al Raqbani says that in the beginning he did not know how certain things were done, and he had to go through an orientation period.
“We started learning how the question to the minister goes, questioning techniques, is it legitimate or not, is it part of the ministry’s job or not. That was the beginning of the journey.”
Coming from a financial background, Mr Al Raqbani wanted to focus on his area of expertise so he joined the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee.
“I wanted to focus on things related to what I know. I am not the type that would interfere in subjects I actually have no clue of.”
He says members must be able to benefit the committee they serve on and it is important to have a basic knowledge of its requirements.
“By doing this, you add more value in your presence in this specific committee. Most members joined committees they have expertise in and those they are interested in, so the council will benefit. We are all one here. We are representing the UAE.”
Mr Al Raqbani finds it hard to believe his journey in the council is almost complete.
“I am shocked three years have passed so fast, its unbelievable how time has flown,” he says.
His duty, on the other hand, is ongoing. He praised the country’s leader for enabling him to take part in making the citizens of his country happy.
“Honestly, this is reality. We are living in a country that Allah has blessed with wise leadership, who have eased and minimised the council’s work. We have covered all topics, and the country’s leadership’s mission, night and day, is to make sure the nation is happy.”
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Sara El Bakkali v Anisha Kadka (Lightweight, female)
Mohammed Adil Al Debi v Moaz Abdelgawad (Bantamweight)
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Abrorbek Madaminbekov v Mohammed Al Katheeri (Featherweight)
Ibrahem Bilal v Emad Arafa (Super featherweight)
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Milena Martinou v Ilham Bourakkadi (Bantamweight, female)
Noureddine El Agouti v Mohamed Mardi (Welterweight)
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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