Sheikh Mohammed's speech at the opening of the FNC

The following is a 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 third ordinary session of the 14th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council.

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate

My brothers, Their Highnesses,  Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Federal National Council, guests

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has honoured me with the task of opening the third ordinary session of the 14th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council. I am pleased to convey to you, the esteemed council, his greetings and appreciation for achieving national goals and contributing to the development of the UAE, which the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan ( May his soul rest in peace) firmly founded. He is our historical leader whose path we follow, led by my brother Highness Sheikh Khalifa in participation with my brothers, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.

Ladies and gentlemen, members of the Federal National Council,

We have carefully pursued the policies and initiatives of the previous council session, and we appreciate the steps taken to achieve progress. We look forward to more from you and believe that the council has the potential to learn more about citizens' concerns and convert them into programmes of work; to highlight issues and transform them into questions to be discussed by specialised bodies. Great confidence is entrusted in the council. We must not forget to praise the distinguished role played by my sisters, members of this council throughout the previous chapter. Their participation, for the first time, confirms our belief in the successful role played by UAE woman and that our trust in them was right.

This new session is being convened as we are preparing to celebrate our 37th National Day. This is an unprecedented achievement in the Arab World and we wish that other Arabic countries would follow in our country's footsteps.

Ladies and gentlemen, the people of the UAE expect much from us. They believe in the union as their destiny and they trust us. The leadership of the UAE will spare no effort in providing a high standard of living to its people.

The President's directives to the government to serve the country and put its citizens first is still the light we follow and we must employ our entire ability to adhere to this.  We believe in change for the better and encourage it, because change is a constant in the world, and whoever ignores the realities of life will not find a place on the train of development. Because we believe in the importance of modernisation, we care about our country's progress. The UAE's policy is to keep pace with developed countries both technologically and economically, while energetically pursuing the goals to which we aspire.

Economy means development, progress and a better life for us and future generations. Therefore, we should instill confidence in our national economy and draft legislation to safeguard our economic achievements as this legislation protects our economy against fluctuation in the global markets.

In this context, we invite you to interact more with the country's institutions and to press committees into learning about citizens' needs and concerns in the real world. These committees shouldn't just satisfy themselves by holding meetings behind closed doors; the most successful work is that which is set in practical situations and not behind these doors.

May Allah give you success and lead you to the right way and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.