Appointees gear up to shoulder responsibilities

Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Ras Al Khaimah/Fujairah: The 20 members appointed to the Federal National Council (FNC) following the historic elections in December last year reacted with surprise and delight to be awarded the responsibility.

The members, ranging from teachers and journalists to CEOs and academics, were appointed by Their Highnesses, Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
Some of the appointed members spoke to Gulf News.

Fatma Al Merri
Education Consultant for Dubai Education Council
Born and raised in Dubai, Fatma Al Merri has one daughter. Her academic background is in education and she received a bachelor's degree from the UAE University.

Fatima began her career as an English teacher, and then as a school vice-principal before being appointed a principal – a position she held for fifteen years. As of the beginning of this year, Fatima moved to the Dubai Education Council as a full-time education consultant.

“When I heard the news, I felt surprise, happiness and pride at being appointed … It is truly a great responsibility to be working for the whole country.''

Ahmad Al Khateri
Head of Ras Al Khaimah Courts
Al Khateri was born in August 1970 in Ras Al Khaimah and has a Bachelors degree in Sharia from Imam Mohammad University in Riyadh and a Masters degree in Law from the Higher Law Institution from the same university.

He is also a former member of the FNC and was the director of judicial inspection in the emirate before being promoted to the position of head of courts in 2004.

“A successful FNC member is the one who is really close to the people and aware of their hopes and problems.''

Maysa Ghadir
Assistant Manager of Public Relations and Media, Sama Dubai
Maysa Ghadir is best known for her column in the Arabic daily Al Bayan, where she has been writing for four years and hopes to continue writing. She is a graduate of UAE University where she did a Bachelor's degree in Arabic at the Education College.

Aside from working at Sama Dubai, she is currently doing a Masters degree in prose criticism at Sharjah University. Maysa has also worked as an Arabic school teacher for five years, and a media researcher for the Executive Office.

“My priority is the empowerment of Emiratis in their unique demographic state.''

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair
CEO of Mashreqbank
Born in Dubai, Al Ghurair currently serves as the CEO of Mashreqbank, but trained as an industrial engineer and received his honours degree from California Polytechnic State University. He joined Mashreqbank in 1977 and in 1990 was appointed CEO.

He also serves as president of Al Ghurair City mall and sits on the Board of Directors of the Dubai International Financial Centre, Visa International and MasterCard. Al Ghurair is also on the Board of Directors of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is a member of the Governing Council of the Higher Colleges of Technology.

“We are a young country that has already achieved so much and there is still so much more for us to achieve.''

Ruwaya Saif Sultan Al Samahi
Head of the Public Health Awareness Department, Fujairah Municipality.
Ruwaya was born in 1972 and is married with three children. She studied English Literature and Education at UAE University. At the Health Ministry, Ruwaya is required to raise health and social awareness.

“We don't want to give the impression that the participation of women in the FNC will be confined to women issues. The presence of women will have a major positive role in finding solutions to the many issues within the society.''

Ali Majid Al Matroushi
Chief of Ajman Police
Al Matroushi is a graduate of the Police Academy in Jordan. He held various positions in Civil Defence as well as police. He became the Chief of Ajman Police in 2001. At the FNC, Al Matroushi hopes to tackle more issues that concern the society.

“My appointment is a responsibility and honour and we will work with the elected members in the FNC to convey the society's voice to the concerned parties and officials.''