Election Committee members greet candidates on first day

Dubai: The first day of registration for candidacy to the Federal National Council started with a smooth flow of candidates during the early hours of the day, eventually slowing down as the day proceeded.

The registration centre at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce was split into a seating area and a registration area.

Members of the electoral college met the election committee and submitted their application for registration along with the required documents and a Dh1,000 registration fee.

Candidates were given the chance to speak to the media in the seating area. Some took the opportunity to lay out their platforms.

Five members of the Dubai election committee received the candidates, assisting them in filling in the registration form and providing information on registration procedures.

Officials at the election committee, however, refused to provide details on candidates including the number of registrants.

All candidates walked away with bags branded with the elections logo consisting of information packs on campaigning procedures and regulations.

Ahmad Saeed Al Kindi, a UAE national businessman who registered his candidacy, said he would work to increase the powers of the Council if elected and try to address inflation.

Al Kindi said that although he would start campaigning soon, he would not set up the traditional tent used for campaigning.

Muna Bu Samra, the second female member of the Electoral College to register her candidacy, praised the process, describing the elections committee as "welcoming and warm".