ABU DHABI // Sheikh Khalifa, the President of the UAE, has arrived at the Federal National Council building in the capital for the opening of the council's 15th legislative chapter.
The opening follows the election of 20 members on September 24, and the appointment of a further 20 this weekend.
Troops stood from 11am along the red carpet awaiting his arrival.
At 11:42am he arrived and the FNC chamber fell silent, all 40 members watching a screen that broadcast the outside events. Two minutes later, Sheikh Khalifa entered the building and was greeted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister.
At 12pm sharp, Sheikh Khalifa entered the chamber, followed by the six Rulers of the other emirates.
After a recitation from the Quran, the President opened the 15th legislative chapter. He prayed that the FNC would work for what is best for the country and its people. Abdullah Hamad al Shamsi, an elected member from Ajman, responded on behalf of the FNC members.
Of the 40 new FNC members, 39 were present, the only absentee being Gareeb Ahmed Al Suraidi, one of Fujairah’s two elected members.
osalem@thenational.ae
