One candidate disqualified

One of the initial 100 candidates on the Abu Dhabi list was disqualified during the scrutiny process. According to the election committee, he was disqualified because he had a criminal record.

Taher Mussabah Al Kindi, neither a candidate nor a voter, was keen to be a part of the festive mood. He came all the way from a remote Western Region in Abu Dhabi along with his three children to the polling station.

"I came with my children aged three, five and 11, out of keenness to witness the country's first-ever elections and to instill a democratic culture in my children."

Shaikha Saeed Al Danhani, 29, had the honour of being the first woman voter in Fujairah. Shaikha was pleased with her place in history, but says it was not planned.

Moza Khamis Al Kha'al, the only woman candidate in Fujairah, arrived at the polling station to vote accompanied by her sister who is also on the Electoral College.