The current political activity in the UAE is a qualitative leap for the Emiratis. The country has been witnessing positive changes since the formation of the federation. Now its citizens have become eligible not only to get their basic rights, such as education and a decent life, but also the political right to elect and be elected.
The decision by the UAE's leadership to elect half of the Federal National Council (FNC) members is a landmark move that has added significantly to the changes happening in the country.
All segments of the UAE society, including women, have been involved in the country's first free and democratic elections. Women have been granted their full political rights. The success of this significant achievement must be told to the new generation of Emiratis, males as well as females.
In fact, many factors have contributed to this radical change in the UAE. But the common denominator is the firm will and determination of its leaders and the people to achieve development and progress.
The modern development in the UAE, especially the present stage, is a natural result of the seeds sown by the country's visionary founders.
Point of contention
Maybe, everyone remembers that women's education during the post-Second World War era in GCC societies was a "real battle" and the point of contention and struggle between the forces of conservatism and the forces of modernisation. But the determination of the forces of progress that always look for a better future and believe in the right of all citizens, including women, to learn and pursue their education, has changed this idea.
Here we remember the great founders of the nation, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who believed in women's right to learn, work and participate in public life.
The appointment of Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi as the first woman minister mirrored Shaikh Zayed's farsightedness and strong belief in the abilities of women in building the country's future.
The development of the UAE Federation over the past 35 years has helped in the creation of a highly skilled and educated generation and the emergence of a second generation of leaders who follow in the footsteps of the founders.
However, the young leaders, who are considered as an extension of the founders, believe in the principle of the importance of nationalism. This principle was firmly established by the founders as stipulated in the constitution.
The 35th National Day anniversary came to stress that reading history and perceiving the future are important characteristics of the historic leadership. The landmark decision in the UAE was to enter the realm of the political development through the FNC elections.
As for "how" and "why", this was the new challenge facing the new leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.
During this year, a new cabinet was formed and a new ministry was introduced, making a qualitative leap in the political, economical and social life.
The dream of the founders of transforming the UAE from a traditional society into a modern one and in tune with international changes at all levels has come true.
Women's participation in the FNC elections reflects the awareness of the UAE leadership about the importance of meeting the rights of citizens in accordance with the constitution.
Emerging society
This is evidence of the founders' clear vision on a new emerging society.
This raises many questions. Will the elections lead to the emergence of women playing a political role side by side with their male compatriots?
Will the results of the country's first elections lead to women's membership in the FNC?
Will the dreams of one who believes in human rights and women's right to be members of the FNC come true?
The decision, however, is in the hands of the electoral commissions in every emirate. These commissions realise that women were qualified to take their proper positions in life and society decades ago.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, women taught their children how to recite the Quran and to read and write. Women were also partners to men in the economic field - in all forms of production witnessed in the UAE - in the bedouin, agricultural or seafaring society which was dependent on fishing and diving.
We are not asking for the impossible when we want the woman to become her brother's partner in the next FNC.
So, achieving the founders' vision and translating it into reality is the right decision. The new vision will thrive in the new century.
Dr. Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa is a professor of Sociology at the UAE University, Al Ain.
