ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Wednesday inaugurated the 16th legislative term of the Federal National Council.
The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai attended the opening ceremony, walking the red carpet under the swords of the Presidential Guard while a marching band played the national anthem.
He then met FNC officials before entering the Sheikh Zayed Hall to greet the Rulers awaiting him.
After verses of the Quran had been recited, the new term was convened.
In his address, Sheikh Mohammed stressed to members the importance in serving citizens during the turbulent times the region is facing.
“It is your role today, amid the strenuous circumstances that is passing by our region,” he said.
It was, therefore, essential to have unity between citizens and their Rulers and for the Government to serve its people, he said.
“Today your service to the UAE people has become a responsibility,” he said. “It is an obligation in front of Allah and the people of the UAE.
“Brothers and sisters, your council is held today and our country has become stronger and our people more intertwined with their leaders.”
FNC member Majid Al Shamsi then gave the council’s speech to the audience.
Members took their places under the blue dome of the council, awaiting their new roles. Ambassadors from 80 countries were also among the attendees.
Before bidding farewell to Sheikh Mohammed, FNC members were invited to meet, greet and take a picture with the Rulers.
Members then began to take their oath of office, saying: “I swear to be loyal to the UAE, to respect the federal constitution and its laws and to do my duties in the council and its committees with all honesty and sincerity.”
After this, the election of posts began.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi was appointed as chairwoman and Speaker, making her the first woman to hold the role.
Abdulaziz Al Zaabi, the member for Ras Al Khaimah, was appointed the second Deputy Speaker after securing 21 votes from the chamber. Marwan bin Ghalita was appointed Speaker’s first Deputy, edging out his only competitor for the position, Jamal Al Hay, by 21 votes to 16.
Two of the 39 members voting presented blank papers, meaning they did not wish to vote, and were not counted.
In his address to convince members to vote for him, Mr bin Ghalita, who was also elected in the last term, reminded the council of his accomplishments in the past four years.
“My first suggestion was regarding the Schengen visa [exemption] for UAE nationals, and Sheikh Abdullah [the Foreign Minister) accepted the issue and it worked out.”
He also discussed the issues surrounding the children of Emitati women.
“Also the issue of the routine check ups for nationals, and the Ministry of Health is up for it.”
“Today I nominate myself to bring more success and accomplishments to the council,” he said ahead of his appointment.
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Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
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Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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if you go
hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
The specs: 2018 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Price, base / as tested: Dh283,080 / Dh318,465
Engine: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 295hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.2L / 100km
NO OTHER LAND
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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