Tributes paid after death of FNC member who was 'father and brother to all'

Ali Jassem Ahmed represented Umm Al Quwain on the FNC

Ali Jassem Ahmed was first elected to the FNC in February 1990, serving as an important voice for his emirate for more than 32 years. Wam

Warm tributes have been paid to a long-serving Federal National Council member who died on Monday.

Ali Jassem Ahmed represented Umm Al Quwain on the consultative body and was general manager of Umm Al Quwain Broadcasting Network.

The Court of Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, expressed its deepest condolences to his family, in a statement carried by state news agency Wam.

His age and cause of death were not stated.

Ahmed was first elected to the FNC in February 1990, serving as an important voice for his emirate for more than 32 years.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, said he was a loyal servant of the nation.

“I knew him as a brother, a friend, a patriotic man who persevered in the service of his country and a loving, honest, kind-hearted, good-natured, and pure-hearted person,” Dr Gargash said on Twitter.

Praise for a man generous with his knowledge

Yousef Al Batran, FNC member for Ras Al Khaimah, said Ahmed was always happy to share his wealth of knowledge with others.

“Whatever I say will not do him justice. He was a father and a brother to all,” said Mr Al Batran.

“We were constantly learning from him and he used his knowledge to teach, mentor and advise us.

“He will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, opens the third ordinary session of the 17th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC). Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Mr Al Batran said his colleague would send out morning greetings each day to his friends.

“I would respond with a thank you," he said. "He spoke to all of us and treated us like his children. He’s left a void in our hearts and lives.

“[He was] a gentle and experienced father figure, who dedicated his life to serving his country and people.”

Khalfan Rashed Al Shamsi, an FNC member for Abu Dhabi, echoed those sentiments.

"He was a man who dedicated his life to serving his country and his people. He supported everyone with his advice and guidance,” he said.

“He was a champion of Emirati rights and would work on public policies and laws. I’ve rarely met a more esteemed and knowledgeable man than him. He will be missed by all. “

Sara Mohammad Falaknaz, an FNC member for Dubai, said Ahmed's loss had brought great sadness.

She said he was a colleague fellow FNC members had learnt much from due to his many years of parliamentary experience.

FNC honours parliamentary stalwart

The FNC offered its sympathies over the death of a man it described as the "doyen of Emirati parliamentarians".

It said Ahmed had enjoyed a "life full of giving".

Saqr Ghobash, FNC speaker, said Ahmed made valuable contributions to parliamentary diplomacy and hailed his dedication to the UAE's leadership and its people.

During a distinguished political career, Ahmed served as second deputy to the FNC Speaker and under-secretary of the Executive Committee for the Emirati Parliamentary Division.

He also chaired several FNC committees and was appointed the Inter-Parliamentary Union Vice President for the Arab Group Affairs, as well as being a representative of the Arab Group at the IPU Executive Committee.

He also received the Arab Parliamentary Excellence Award in 2017.