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.
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.
