Timeframe: the UAE's first Federal National Council session

The parliamentary body celebrated its Golden Jubilee last week

Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, convening the first session of the UAE’s Federal National Council on February 12, 1972. Photo: FNC

On February 12, 1972, Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, convened the first session of the UAE’s Federal National Council, attended by the rulers of each emirate as well as members of the Cabinet.

Invoking the principle of shura, or consultation, wherein the head of the tribe consulted his advisers and took their opinion before making a decision, the parliamentary body sought to increase citizens' participation in the decision-making processes of the UAE.

The FNC became one of the main pillars of the UAE Constitution and was founded as the fourth federal authority in the five federal authorities stipulated in the Constitution: The Supreme Council of the Union, the President of the Union and Vice President, the Council of Ministers of the Union, the Federal National Council and the Federal Judiciary.

At first, council members were appointed, but in 2006, the President, Sheikh Khalifa, declared that half of the FNC would be elected, allowing Emiratis to run for office and vote. For the first time that year, eight women were appointed and one – Dr Amal Al Qubaisi – was elected. Dr Al Qubaisi was also appointed President of the FNC in 2015, making her the region’s first female leader of a national assembly.

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi at an FNC meeting in 2013. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

The council became a major forum to convey the concerns of citizens on issues from roads to jobs. The 40-member FNC acts as a conduit to question ministers and seek explanations. The public also engage with it through elections.

The number of seats assigned to each emirate is proportionate to its population, while women must make up 50 per cent of the FNC's seats. Abu Dhabi and Dubai each have eight representatives, while Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have six. Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four council members each.

Last week, the FNC celebrated its Golden Jubilee with an impressive record. In the past five decades, 17 legislative chapters and 640 sessions have been held, during which 630 draft laws and seven constitutional amendments were approved.

Scroll through the gallery below for pictures released by the Federal National Council to mark its Golden Jubilee.

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, shakes hands with the members of the Federal National Council after opening the First Ordinary Session of the 7th Legislative Chapter at the Cultural Foundation in January 1988. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, opens the Second Ordinary Session of the 5th Legislative Chapter of the Federal National Council in December 1982. Also pictured are Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman; Sheikh Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; and Hilal Lootah, President of the Federal National Council. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, opens the Second Ordinary Session of the 5th Legislative Chapter of the Federal National Council in December 1982. Photo: FNC

The Federal National Council, one of the five federal authorities of the UAE, celebrated its golden jubilee by releasing pictures from throughout its 50-year history. Photo: FNC

The council contributes to national development, translating the leadership’s vision and citizens’ aspirations, embodying the Shura, or consultation, approach. Photo: FNC

A council session. Photo: FNC

President Sheikh Khalifa has directed that half of the council's seats must be taken by women. Photo: FNC

Speaker Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, centre, secretary general Mohammed Al Mazrouei, left, and Sharjah member Obaid Al Muhairi in 2008. Photo: FNC

President Sheikh Khalifa and the rulers of the seven emirates were at the opening of the council's session at the FNC building in Abu Dhabi in November 2011. Silvia Razgova / The National

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, surrounded by the rulers of the emirates and Federal National Council members after opening the First Ordinary Session of the 10th Legislative Chapter in December 1995. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, leaves the FNC hall in December 1995. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, greets council members in 1995. Photo: FNC

Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, receives the reply to the opening speech delivered at the First Ordinary Session of the 11th Legislative Chapter from Mohammed Khalifa bin Habtoor, President of the Federal National Council in April 1998. Photo: FNC

The President Sheikh Khalifa and the rulers of the seven emirates attend the Federal National Council in November 2011. Silvia Razgova / The National

A meeting of the Federal National Council in 2008. Ryan Carter / The National

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, delivers a speech at the opening session of the Federal National Council in October 2010. Lee Hoagland / The National

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi was appointed Deputy Speaker in 2011, the first time in the GCC a woman had held such a position. She became Speaker in 2015. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National.