AL AIN // A high turnout in this month's FNC elections will improve the case for the council to be given greater powers, the chairman of the National Election Committee says.
Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and chairman of the NEC, said the only way to move forward from the current "experience" was to encourage as many as possible to vote in the polls on September 24.
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"The participation of the electoral college members in the elections is a national duty towards further empowering the Federal National Council," Dr Gargash said in an address to candidates in Al Ain.
"Participation sends the message to … Sheikh Khalifa [President of the UAE] that … people are aware that we are in the first steps in this programme and we want to develop this programme."
One candidate, Dr Moza Ghobash, asked Dr Gargash why universal suffrage had not been considered, and on what basis eligibility to vote had been made.
"We want all nationals to vote next time," Dr Ghobash said. "It is embarrassing for some [senior officials] not to be on the list. A lot of people were upset."
Dr Gargash said he sympathised, but stressed this year's electoral register represented a major leap since the last elections in 2006.
Then, only 2.3 per cent of Emiratis, or 6,595 people, were eligible to vote, compared with this year's estimate of more than 30 per cent. But the turnout last time was high, at 74.4 per cent.
The lowest turnout was in Abu Dhabi, where 60 per cent of those eligible to vote did. Ras Al Khaimah showed the greatest enthusiasm, with more than 90 per cent of those entitled to vote turning out.
Dr Gargash said he hoped for a high turnout this year and encouraged candidates to get as many voters out as possible through continued interaction with them - especially with young voters using social-media networks.
"What we realised this year is the increase in using social media," he said. "Now an army of nationals are using Facebook, webpages, Twitter - especially youth.
"I believe these are important tools. I hope all candidates use these … they are not complicated. I learnt how to use Twitter two weeks ago. If I can learn it, anyone can."
But social media alone would not be enough.
"It is only one tool for a successful candidate. It has to also be merged to his ability to articulate his thoughts," Dr Gargash said.
He will give another lecture tonight at 6.30pm at the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi.
"There are a lot of questions on people's minds that are not necessarily technical or logistical questions," Dr Gargash said. "They want to know more what is the purpose of the programme, what is the future of the programme, and so on."
He said it was also a good opportunity to "understand what is on people's minds".
"It's a chance for us also to explain some of the rationale behind some of the decisions we are taking in organising these events.
"Elections are a relatively new phenomenon in the UAE, so many, many people have their queries about various aspects and I think … it is our job to increase awareness."
osalem@thenational.ae
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
