UAE Federal National Council Opens New Session with Focus on Citizen Welfare and Future Growth
the United Arab Emirates’ Federal National Council (FNC) convened its third regular session of the 18th legislative term yesterday, with a strong emphasis on amplifying the voices of citizens and bolstering the nation’s economic and social progress. The opening ceremony,presided over by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,President of the State,signaled a renewed commitment to the nation’s ambitious vision for the future.
The session commenced with the national anthem and recitations from the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks invoking blessings for success. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum offered prayers “that it will be a good opening and a blessing for the servants and the country, and may god’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.” He further emphasized the Council’s role in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, noting he was witnessing the opening “on behalf of my brother, the President of the State.”
A key directive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum centered on the FNC’s responsibility to act as a direct advocate for the UAE’s citizens. “Our renewed call for the council to be a voice for the nation and the citizen… and to be supportive and supportive of the UAE government team… and in supporting our economic journey, our social cohesion, and the future of our coming generations,” he stated.
The opening session also included the reading of Federal Decree No. 151 of 2025,formally convening the FNC. Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the FNC, delivered a welcoming address, highlighting the Council’s dedication to fulfilling its constitutional and legislative duties.
Ghobash lauded the continued support from the nation’s leadership, emphasizing the effective partnership between executive and legislative branches.He traced this collaborative approach back to the founding principles established by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, stating it was “an essential foundation for political participation rooted in our cultural peculiarity that elevates the nation and raises the status of the citizen.”
the FNC Chairman also reflected on the UAE’s achievements in 2025, characterizing it as a year of significant internal and external progress. The nation has achieved a high ranking in international competitiveness, particularly in areas such as security, economy, innovation, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and quality of life, and has risen in the ranks of the soft power index.
Looking ahead, Ghobash announced the designation of 2025 as the “Year of Society” and 2026 as the “Year of the Family” by the President of the State. These designations, he explained, are not merely symbolic but serve as reminders of the essential importance of community and family in sustaining national achievements and fostering holistic progress. He noted that a strong sense of community protects the state’s accomplishments,while a focus on family ensures development is rooted in moral and cognitive structures.
The approval of the federal budget for 2026, described as the largest in the country’s history, was presented as a testament to the UAE’s financial stability and forward-looking vision. Ghobash asserted that the budget reflects “the maturity of the state’s financial management, and its ability to combine sustainability and development.”
On the international stage, the UAE continues to champion peace, security, and dialogue, extending aid to those in need and reaffirming its support for the Palestinian people and their cause.
Ghobash concluded his address by reaffirming the FNC’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities and aligning with the leadership’s vision for a future built on knowledge, social justice, and citizenship.He echoed the sentiments of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who stated, “Building humanity is the priority and the essence of development,” and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who declared, “The UAE is the most noble journey to build humanity.”
The session concluded with a farewell to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, followed by a commemorative group photograph.
