Mosabeh Al Kitbi is the champion of UAE women’s issues in the FNC

The member from Sharjah had a rich parliamentary history before he joined the Federal National Council.

FNC Member Mosabah Al Kitbi, Sharjah. Fatima Al Marzooqi/ The National

ABU DHABI // Mosabeh Al Kitbi could not have been more fit for the role of an FNC member.

Following a rich parliamentary experience at the Sharjah consultative council for four years, the 42-year-old member had already practised procedures similar to those of the FNC.

He was then a member for two years at the legislative and legal committee for human rights, and served on the committee for public utilities and Islamic Affairs and municipalities.

“During that time I finished my university education, I studied law ... then I started master’s in law ... and doctorate thesis in ‘Legislative monitorship on constitutionality of laws’.”

He is well known for supporting women’s issues.

“As part of my election programme I said I will stand with women’s requests for early retirement, so women got encouraged to vote for me.”

“And I did, for two years I have been repeating this issue and I sought statistics and there was incredible communication on Twitter. My name was constantly retweeted.”

He also suggested that housing allowances for men increase if they marry more than one wife. “I am not calling for polygamy, it could lead to building families or destroying them. Some people see it as the solution, but I will not say this is the solution.

“There are many women who want to study, start a career and excel in it without the distraction of a husband and children.

“If those problems were solved we are not talking about polygamy.”

He added that he contacted the ministry of social affairs’ marriage fund and the women’s council to educate society about these matters.

Another issue he feels strongly about is aid for women who have been abandoned by their husbands but not divorced. These women are neither sponsored nor receiving alimony as a result. He said he had received calls from many women in these situations, and many afraid to file for divorce for fear of losing custody of their children.

In the council, Mr Al Kitbi can be seen carrying a small diary, taking note of people’s remarks.

“On a weekly basis we attend weddings and we meet up with hundreds of people so every 10 people talk to you about a different topic.”

He would like to see a more open FNC.

“Today the public opinion cannot see what goes under the FNC dome. They do not see the responses and who argues on their behalf. From the start until now I have been requesting this. It is getting postponed, not rejected.”