UAE's Federal National Council celebrates its Golden Jubilee

FNC is a valuable way for the views of citizens to be heard

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, shakes hands with the members of the Federal National Council after opening the First Ordinary Session of the 7th Legislative Chapter at the Cultural Foundation in January 1988. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, opens the Second Ordinary Session of the 5th Legislative Chapter of the Federal National Council in December 1982. Also pictured are Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman; Sheikh Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; and Hilal Lootah, President of the Federal National Council. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, opens the Second Ordinary Session of the 5th Legislative Chapter of the Federal National Council in December 1982. Photo: FNC

The Federal National Council, one of the five federal authorities of the UAE, celebrated its golden jubilee by releasing pictures from throughout its 50-year history. Photo: FNC

The council contributes to national development, translating the leadership’s vision and citizens’ aspirations, embodying the Shura, or consultation, approach. Photo: FNC

A council session. Photo: FNC

President Sheikh Khalifa has directed that half of the council's seats must be taken by women. Photo: FNC

Speaker Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, centre, secretary general Mohammed Al Mazrouei, left, and Sharjah member Obaid Al Muhairi in 2008. Photo: FNC

President Sheikh Khalifa and the rulers of the seven emirates were at the opening of the council's session at the FNC building in Abu Dhabi in November 2011. Silvia Razgova / The National

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, surrounded by the rulers of the emirates and Federal National Council members after opening the First Ordinary Session of the 10th Legislative Chapter in December 1995. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, leaves the FNC hall in December 1995. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, greets council members in 1995. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, receives the reply to the opening speech delivered at the First Ordinary Session of the 11th Legislative Chapter from Mohammed Khalifa bin Habtoor, President of the Federal National Council in April 1998. Photo: FNC

The President Sheikh Khalifa and the rulers of the seven emirates attend the Federal National Council in November 2011. Silvia Razgova / The National

A meeting of the Federal National Council in 2008. Ryan Carter / The National

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, delivers a speech at the opening session of the Federal National Council in October 2010. Lee Hoagland / The National

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi was appointed Deputy Speaker in 2011, the first time in the GCC a woman had held such a position. She became Speaker in 2015. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National.

The Federal National Council on Saturday celebrated its Golden Jubilee.

Over the past 50 years, the parliamentary body of the UAE has sought to increase citizen's participation in decision-making processes of the UAE and boost loyalty, belonging and national cohesion, said state news agency Wam.

The Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, convened the first session of the FNC in 1972. The rulers of each emirate and Cabinet members also attended. Council members were at first appointed, but by 2006, members joined the FNC by a combination of election and appointment.

The council proved a main forum to convey the concerns of citizens on issues from roads to jobs. In February, for example, the country's education minister was urged to boost the salaries of Emirati academics or risk losing them to the private sector.

The 40-member FNC also acts as a conduit to question ministers and seek explanations. The public can engage with the FNC through elections.

The number of seats assigned to each emirate is proportionate to its population, while women must make up 50 per cent of the FNC's seats.

The record of the council is there for all to see: 17 legislative chapters and 640 sessions, during which 630 drafts law and seven constitutional amendments were approved.

Members also discussed 335 general topics, asked 975 questions, and signed 47 memorandums of co-operation with regional and international parliaments.

The 40-member FNC also modernised the legislative environment and served as a model of balance, moderation and wisdom, and a key factor in achieving stability, peace and security at the regional and global levels, Wam reported.

The FNC's 17th legislative chapter began on November 14, 2019. Over the course of 31 sessions so far, it has approved 32 bills, discussed seven general topics, directed 94 questions and reviewed 115 international treaties and agreements.