FNC leads the march towards empowerment

Abu Dhabi: The UAE celebrates the 36th anniversary of the establishment of the Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday, while pressing ahead with its political development aiming to enhance the popular participation in the decision-making process and the country's future.

It also celebrates the occasion that the UAE had stepped into the empowerment era in accordance with the national work programme announced by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his historic speech in December 2005, on the occasion of the 34th National Day.

The FNC, in its capacity as a consultative body, plays a key role in achieving the aspirations of the UAE's people, as its decisions and recommendations are based on the principle of consultancy and rules of consensus.

The council celebrated its 35th anniversary by holding its first session with the participation of women members in the parliament and the presence of 20 elected members, as part of the country's march towards more openness and democracy.

Better future

The FNC, the unicameral parliament of the country that acts as the UAE's advisory council, was formed under the Provisional Constitution of the UAE in 1972.

The FNC's first session was opened by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on February 13, 1972, when he gave a key address to the nation, instructing all segments of the UAE society to participate in the process of building a better and glorious future for younger generations.

As the council celebrates its inception anniversary, it remembers the late Shaikh Zayed, who was the key supporter of the institution.