Federal National Council

The Federal National Council (Arabic: المجلس الوطني الإتحادي al-Majlis al-Watani al-Ittihadi) is the legislature of the United Arab Emirates. The Council has 40 members (eight from Abu Dhabi and Dubai; six from Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah; and four from Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah), with advisory tasks rather than legislative power. Twenty members will now be elected by the 129,247 members of the Electoral College; the other 20 will be nominated by their respective emirates.

History

The Federal National Council (FNC) was formed under the Provisional Constitution of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 as a permanent component of the country's governing structure, which also includes the Supreme Council, President, Cabinet and Judiciary.

Over the last 38 years, the FNC has discussed hundreds of issues and draft laws concerning the people and economy of the country. According to the Constitution, federal draft laws first have to pass through the FNC for review and recommendations. Draft laws and amendments formed with help of specialized house committees are presented to the Council for discussion and later sent back to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. Throughout its history, the Council has influenced the Federal Government to draft laws. Original draft laws from the Cabinet were...
Read More