ABU DHABI // Although she is the youngest member in the Federal National Council, Noura Al Kaabi has proved her success by making policies with impact as the head of the Media Zone Authority.
In 2011, while heading to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ms Al Kaabi received a phone call. And during the race she received several more, and messages congratulating her. She had been appointed to the FNC.
“My first reaction to the news was a mixture of being in awe, fear of responsibility, and appreciation. It was an unexpected yet pleasant surprise that took me a while to digest” she said. “A number of factors contributed to my appointment as a member of the FNC. First and foremost is our wise leadership’s objective of empowering women to represent the country in various industries and positions which is quite a strong message that I truly believe in and support. I also believe that this decision was an answer for the need of young leaders that represent the youth of this country and I am honoured to be selected as one.”
However, Ms Al Kaabi, 34, said she never imagined herself “sitting under the blue dome, debating and discussing issues at the committee meetings”/
Her perspective was the first thing to change as her appointment kick-started her journey at the council.
“It is challenging to be a member of a panel that is highly diversified with members coming together from different backgrounds,” she said. “Sharing ideas and addressing concerns is always something we all bring to the table. The key to succeeding in my position as a council member is the ability to accept different perspectives as well as embracing disagreement as a way to find the best solution that best serves the interest of the council as a whole.”
Ms Al Kaabi addressed issues relating to media law, civil services law, women’s participation and trafficking of women.
One of her discussions was about using social media as an “ideal platform” to reach out to the public.
“Social media is a tool that you need to learn how to use,” she said. “We should be thankful for such technology that is going to grow.”
Ms Al Kaabi pushes for “whatever it takes to have a proper sustainable policy that represents the UAE”.
She believes certain laws must be updated to become more in line with the development of the country and those surrounding it.
Even though Ms Al Kaabi is mostly quiet during the session, she mainly “wears the regulator hat” during committee meetings.
“I voice my opinions, disagreements and criticism of some initiatives. I observe and take all the information in to be able to make a conscious decision and contribute strategically to our committee meetings.
As part of the committee, Ms Al Kaabi ensures that the research is done through meeting the right people, and making the right assessments to map out areas that need to be praised and others to be developed.
“As members of the committee, we need to develop the ability to constructively criticise initiatives and give feedback that would support our government in building our nation.”
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
