FNC increases budget for 2016

ABU DHABI // Dh196.4 million has been set as a budget for the Federal National Council next year, a 4.56 per cent increase from this year’s Dh187.8m budget.

Dr Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the council’s general secretary, said the FNC budget is subject to constant change.

“The increase expresses a necessary need because the nature of the FNC work is different than that of ministries.”

Overall, salaries, promotions and allowances have been increased by 4.66 per cent, from Dh157,298,000 this year to Dh164,631,000 next year.

Increases are expected in the costs of employees’ housing rentals, which will reach Dh308,000, health insurance to Dh244,000, and petrol to Dh400,000, among other increases in water, electricity and airfares.

hdajani@thenational.ae

Dolittle

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Michael Sheen

One-and-a-half out of five stars

Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.

Places to go for free coffee

Cherish Cafe Dubai, Dubai Investment Park, are giving away free coffees all day.
La Terrace, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, are serving their first 50 guests one coffee and four bite-sized cakes
Wild & The Moon will be giving away a free espresso with every purchase on International Coffee Day
Orange Wheels welcome parents are to sit, relax and enjoy goodies at ‘Café O’ along with a free coffee