Abu Dhabi: UAE made history in the Arab world by electing the first woman Speaker to its parliament as the 16th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC) opened here on Wednesday.
“Emirati women have been great leaders and great achievers, establishing significant regional and global presence for themselves and the UAE,” tweeted His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, soon after the election of Dr Amal Al Qubaisi as the FNC Speaker.
The UAE is stronger and more stable than ever despite the prevailing situation in the region, Shaikh Mohammad said at the opening ceremony of the Federal National Council’s (FNC) 16th Legislative Chapter on Wednesday.
The ceremony was organised under the patronage of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
After the rendition of the UAE national anthem, Shaikh Mohammad inspected the Guard of Honour.
Shaikh Mohammad, while speaking on behalf of Shaikh Khalifa, said: “Brothers and sisters, the 16th Legislative Chapter begins today as our country is stronger and more stable than ever.
“In the name of Allah, we open the session and congratulate our people and its leadership on the occasion. I wish you good luck to enhance pillars of the Union laid by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the founding fathers, Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates.”