Federal National Council

Synopsis:

The FNC is the fourth of the 5 federal authorities stipulated in the Constitution, which include:

• Supreme Council of the Federation.
• President and Vice President of the Federation.
• Cabinet of the Federation.
• Federal National Council.
• Federal Judiciary.

The FNC held its first session on 12 February 1972.

FNC Structure:

As per the Constitution, the FNC is composed of 40 members from all the emirates as follows:

• 8 seats for Abu Dhabi.
• 8 seats for Dubai.
• 6 seats for Sharjah.
• 6 seats for Ras Al Khaimah.
• 4 seats for Ajman.
• 4 seats for Fujairah.
• 4 seats for Umm Al Quwain.

Half the members of the FNC are elected by electoral colleges while the other half are appointed. This mechanism was approved and implemented in 2006, when the first stage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's political empowerment programme was first initiated.

For the first time since its inception, UAE women participated in the FNC membership in the 14th legislative chapter. One Emirati woman won a seat in the first electoral experience in 2006. Eight more women were later appointed as FNC members, a percentage that is one of the highest worldwide.

FNC meetings:

• The FNC holds an annual ordinary session of no less than 7 months.
• The FNC holds its session in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.
• The FNC's sessions are public and may be held in secret based on the request of the government, FNC chairman or one third of its members at least.
• The FNC holds its sessions and its deliberations are regarded as valid only if the majority of its members (21 members) are present.
• Decisions shall be issued by absolute majority of the present members, and in case of equal votes, the chairman's vote shall determine the winner of cases requiring special majority.