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.”
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Fourth-round clashes for British players
- Andy Murray (1) v Benoit Paire, Centre Court (not before 4pm)
- Johanna Konta (6) v Caroline Garcia (21), Court 1 (4pm)
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Schedule for Asia Cup
Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)
Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)
Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four
Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)
Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 28: Final (Dubai)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Meydan race card
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
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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.
What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.