Election 'will give citizens a wider role'

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, praised the participation of women in the forthcoming elections of the Federal National Council (FNC).

In his National Day speech at an official function held yesterday, Shaikh Mohammad said the active participation of women in the elections is "a natural extension of her role in the society and the family".

Shaikh Mohammad said the decision to hold elections stemmed from the keenness of the UAE leadership to allow wider participation of the citizens in the public sphere and development process and safeguard the achievements made by the country in all fields.

"I'm pleased with the overwhelming response to the first parliamentary elections in the history of UAE, in keeping with the historic decision made by the leadership to enhance the FNC's role and to allow men and women of the UAE to participate in the policy-making process," he said.

The function to mark National Day at the Emirates Palace was attended by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It was also attended by Their Highnesses, Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers.

Shaikh Mohammad paid rich tributes to the founders of the nation — Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

"As we celebrate our National Day on December 2, the day on which the sun of the Federation rose 35 years ago, we remember the founders of the UAE, to whom we are indebted for all the blessings we enjoy."

Shaikh Mohammad said the observance of this glorious occasion is yet a celebration of the great accomplishments that have been achieved throughout the 35 years of limitless work; good planning and close follow up.

"The march of glory, building and development [of the nation] will continue under the wise leadership of Shaikh Khalifa who launched last December an ambitious national plan that defined our national goals for further achievements in economic, social and developmental fields."

He said: "Our ambitions to fulfill our people's aspirations for a stable and decent life knows no limit. We work with the spirit of teamwork, inspired by the leadership and directives of Shaikh Khalifa."

Shaikh Mohammad said great progress has been made last year in drawing up plans, strategies and policies to modernise and improve the performance of the government. He also stressed on further expanding cooperation between federal and local bodies for the interest of the nation.

The function was also attended by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance and Industry.

— With inputs from Khitam Al Amir and WAM