Abu Dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday inaugurated the third ordinary session of the 17th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC), on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The session began with the arrival of Sheikh Mohammed, Crown Princes and Rulers’ Representatives, where he was received by Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the FNC.
Sheikh Mohammad, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers then moved to Zayed Hall, where the ceremony began with the recitation of some verses of the Quran. Then Sheikh Mohammed officially opened the third ordinary session of the 17th legislative chapter.
This was followed with reading out a Decree issued by President Sheikh Khalifa calling on the FNC to convene the third ordinary session of its 17th legislative chapter on November 24, 2021. The concerned authorities shall implement the Decree and it shall be published in the Official Gazette.
The first session has begun with the election of observers, followed by the formation of various committees. The Council reviewed a letter issued to the government regarding a request for approval to discuss the ‘Emirates Development Bank Policy’.
The FNC also reviewed 11 letters by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, seven of which were referred by a decision of the Speaker of the Council to the relevant committees to be approved for discussion. The other four letters discussed the FNC’s recommendations on public topics.
Full speech
Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the FNC, delivered the following speech:
“I am honoured to extend, on my behalf and on behalf of FNC members, thanks and gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, for supporting the FNC and enabling it to continue its consultancy approach, as a true platform for expressing the aspirations of citizens, and as an establishment that supports government work and protects its achievements.
“I am honoured to extend my welcome and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for inaugurating the third ordinary session of the 17th legislative chapter of the FNC, which reiterates the support for the FNC to continue its efforts to perform its constitutional duties.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the honourable audience.
“As we are approaching the end of the first 50 years of our country, we proudly commemorate the Founding Fathers of the nation led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who established the foundations of the UAE and overcame challenges and difficulties, enabling the country to become a strong nation that the world recognises for its achievements, due to these solid foundations.
“Today, as the country welcomes the next 50 years of its existence, it is hosting a major international event gathering over 190 countries at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“This distinguished event is showing the entire world is watching the country during its Golden Jubilee, and it is starting the next 50 years equipped with modern and advanced tools, as well as the values of peace, compassion and openness. The UAE began the next phase of its existence by announcing '10 principles' governing the process of developing and strengthening its advanced position in competitiveness indexes, therefore, ensuring the achievement of sustainable development, making citizens happy and guaranteeing a better future for generations to come.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the honourable audience.
"As we reiterate our pride and appreciation for the advanced performance of our distinguished government, we vow to our leadership and loyal people to always support the government in its efforts to perform its duties to serve the country and the city. We also vow to remain loyal to the country and its leadership and people, and to be always open to peace, constructive cooperation and giving, may Allah Almighty help us and protect us, peace be upon you.”
The session was then adjourned.
