ABU DHABI // The Federal National Council has an accomplished writer and a man of literature as its Speaker.
Mohammed Al Murr, born in 1954, was one of the first writers in the UAE to reach a large international audience, with a number of his works translated from Arabic into English.
After finishing his Bachelor’s degree in the US, Mr Al Murr returned to the UAE to work in banking.
He then became editor-in-chief of the English-language daily newspaper Khaleej Times and executive director of Dubai's Arabic daily Al Bayan.
He was a contributor to Sharjah's Al Khaleej with a column called Awraq Al Ahad, or Sunday paper, and to Al Bayan with Hadeeth Al Ethnein – Monday conversation. For Al Reyada Wa Al Shabab, he wrote Muntasaf Al Esbo3, or middle of the week column.
Some of Mr Al Murr's books include UAE As Seen By Austrians, Around the World in 22 Days, National Hopes, Wonders of the World and Kalam Al Nass.
From 2004 until 2008, Mr Al Murr was chairman of the Dubai Cultural Council. After that, he was appointed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to be deputy chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
In 2011, he was appointed by Sheikh Mohammed once again, this time to the FNC, and from the first session, members unanimously agreed he would become the Speaker.
He has opened every session with an expressive and sometimes powerful speech – a job made easier by his years of writing.
At the start of every term, Mr Al Murr has encouraged members to join committees and appointed them based on their specialities, particularly when the council increased the number of committees to nine last year after the formation of the human rights committee.
Over the past three years, he has given the floor to as many members as possible who have asked to speak, but he has also tried to ensure sessions did not drag on into the evening.
He has kept order in sessions.
When members were still fresh in their first year, member Hamad Al Rahoomi wanted to bring up the subject of the sunken ship White Whale – which sank off Umm Al Quwain in October 2011 – after reports surfaced that it had leaked oil. Mr Al Murr, however, ruled that was not a matter on the agenda.
Although rare, he has mediated in clashes between members.
When one member jokingly accused another for using personal motives to amend a law, Mr Al Murr denounced the act and demanded the member apologise and take back his statements. The incident was stricken from the council’s minutes at his request. Other than one major clash with member Ali Jassim, which caused Mr Jassim to walk out of the session, Mr Al Murr has rarely been in conflict with council members publicly.
As the session moderator, he has never failed to help explain members’ remarks to ministers and other members of the Government when they had lost track of discussions.
osalem@thenational.ae
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
