Mohammed's speech at the opening of the FNC's fifth session

The following is an edited translation of a speech given by UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the opening of the fifth ordinary session of the 14th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council.

Your Highnesses, excellencies, members of the Federal National Council, ladies and gentlemen

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has honoured me with the task of opening the fifth ordinary session of the 14th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council, and so today I will be delivering an address on his behalf.

Brothers and sisters, members of the council

As we inaugurate this new legislative session, we remember with great reverence and appreciation, our founding fathers who sacrificed so much of their time and efforts to build our cherished country and its treasured institutions. We thank those who were so eager to tap into the potential of the UAE's citizens and achieve comprehensive and sustainable development in all parts of the country.

In this regard, we reaffirm our pride in the institution of the Federal National Council, which has been, since its inception, one of the pillars of success on our blessed path.

Brothers and sisters, members of the council

We appreciate your efforts that brought great success in past sessions of the council and we acknowledge your spirit of perseverance and hard work to promote the country and its people. Your active role in discussing and drafting laws that are of vital importance to the country's citizens is highly appreciated; also, you have contributed much to the fruitful cooperation with the government on community issues, while acting as upstanding ambassadors for our country at gatherings abroad.

Your unending dedication to issues that concern the country and its citizens, and your presence in the field as well as your direct interaction with federal and local authorities, will surely achieve our vision of a parliamentary experience that involves all in shaping life in this country; that ensures that everyone plays a role in building a bright future in the UAE for generations to come.

Brothers and sisters, members of the council

During this new session, we expect you to continue to cooperate productively with the government to serve the nation and realise citizens' hopes and needs. So, I call on you to carry on interacting directly with communities around the UAE to find out their needs, to ensure that development plans reflect their wishes.

Brothers and sisters

The tangible achievements of our domestic policy over the past decades, during which your esteemed council played an active role, obligates us to work hard to maintain this level of success.  We are keen to continue our resolute approach of building on our country's achievements.

The UAE is one unit and you embody the spirit of unity; therefore, you play a major role in promoting the federalist spirit of the country's citizens, while building on the nation's assets. Let this new session reflect the country's determination to consolidate the federation and look to a tomorrow that is full of hope and success, especially as we are preparing to celebrate our country's 39th national day.  Thanks to God and the efforts of fellow members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, in addition to the loyalty of UAE people, we can move forward with confidence and steadiness.

Brothers and sisters, distinguished members of the Federal National Council

Our aspirations for our country and our hopes for our citizens are not bound by borders and do have limitations; the UAE is a trust and responsibility, and every citizen is invited to contribute, to bear this trust and to participate in this blessed march.

The sincere and conscious efforts that you and your brothers, our citizens, are making in all fields, whether at federal, local, civilian or military authorities, are but a sincere expression of your love for your country, your loyalty to your leadership and your determination to sacrifice all that is dear to achieve prosperity and all that is good for the country and its citizens.

In conclusion, we renew our trust in you and we ask almighty God to help you achieve glory and prosperity for our country.

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.