Congratulations and endorsements poured in on Tuesday after the final list for Federal National Council candidates was announced.
Some 495 Emiratis will now compete for 20 seats on the FNC, with the remaining 20 places on the legislative council appointed by ruling sheikhs from the emirates.
“Praise be to God, the final list of candidates has been announced,” wrote Hessa Al Saif, a Ras Al Khaimah candidate, on her Instagram account. “We pray to God for success.”
“My Lord, make my entry sincere and make my leaving sincere and grant me supporting authority direct from Your Presence,” she quoted from the Quran.
More than 330,000 Emiratis, just under a quarter of the Emirati population, were eligible to put their name forward as potential candidates for the October 5 election.
Of the 555 citizens who signed up to take part, 499 were selected and four withdrew, including two women.
This year saw an increase in female applicants following an announcement that 40 per cent of the council’s seats would be reserved for women. Of the 200 women who applied, 180 were approved.
Officials also said one in three of the final list of candidates were under the age 40 and just over half held a university degree.
The candidates also include six people with disabilities, known in the UAE as people of determination. All of those selected can start their campaign from September 8.
“Today’s citizens show an increased awareness of the role of FNC and this makes them more mindful in voting for those who represent their voice,” said Abdulrahman Al Owais, the Minister of State for FNC Affairs.
