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 on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the opening of the second ordinary session of the 15th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council.
Your Highnesses crown princes, 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 second ordinary session of the 15th 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
The opening of your new session comes alongside with the faithful efforts exerted by the citizens of our beloved country in the march of the country toward achieving the UAE Vision 2021, armed with determination and resolve and inspired by the legacy of our fathers and grandfathers, relying on a comprehensive programme of national work and integrated strategic plan of the federal government.
Brothers and sisters, members of the council
Your council has witnessed a qualitative development in boosting its experience of expanding the political participation through conducting the second elections on September 24, 2011, which represented one of the stages of the empowerment programme which we launched in 2005 to foster participation and activate the role of the Federal National Council.
The role of your council has become greater and more representing with the ability to preserve the country’s acquisitions and enhance the blessed federal march whose pillars were firmly installed by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.
We move forward with steady steps toward taking the UAE political experience to its goals of achieving aspired development and expanding the scope of participation, building hopes on the central role invested in your esteemed council as a supporting and guiding authority. We are also keen to activate the council’s participation in supporting the government and its policies through visions and innovative and creative thoughts at all levels.
The UAE constitution has been keen on preserving all rights and freedoms on this land. The UAE’s respect of these rights and freedoms made it a paradise for both citizens and residents where all, side by side, enjoy the best living standards, security and safety in a society free of prejudice and discrimination.
We are committed to go forward in accordance with the constitution so that the preservation of rights and freedoms would remain the most important pillars of the political authority with all its institutions, all of which will be in line with the respect of our Islamic faith, norms and customs.
Brothers and sisters
The UAE woman has enjoyed the support of the government thoughout our march. Experience has proven that the UAE woman is capable of shouldering responsibility in all posts she has taken. I call on my daughters to keep up with the same enthusiasm and confidence in the light of the encouragement and support of the political leadership and in harmony with the requirements of activating participation and political development in the country.
Brothers and sisters
Your membership in this council is a great responsibility and honesty that are judged by those who bestowed you with this trust, so make sure that you are worthy of it, and be committed to meet the interests of the citizens and the country, preserve the bonds that bring you together with all fabrics of the UAE community, thus instilling the culture of consultation and participation in decision making and emphasizing the importance of the opinion of the individual in guiding that of the group.
In conclusion, I convey greetings and express appreciation to my brothers Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates for their efforts in boosting the pillars of the union. I also would like to extend my appreciation to every and each citizen who has contributed, through his serious work, to the building of our dear union and beloved country.
We thank you, members of the council, and those who were before you in this council. You did well and carried out your duties with honesty and truthfulness, and we expect more work from you.
May Allah help you and be with you
May peace and blessing of Allah be upon you
