Candidates hoping to be placed on the Federal National Council in the fourth election cycle can now register their interest.
The National Election Committee will open the registration process at nine centres across the country on Sunday.
Applications will be open until Thursday, August 22 with a preliminary list of suitable candidates announced three days later.
That list will be finalised on Tuesday, September 3.
Those hoping for a council position must fit certain criteria to be considered for election.
Potential candidates must be Emirati and a permanent resident of the emirate they wish to represent.
They must be over 25, born on or before October 4, 1994 and a knowledgeable and literary person of sound reputation capable of discharging their civic responsibilities.
Election criteria also stipulates any candidate should not have been convicted of any offences linked, unless they have competed rehabilitation under legal guidelines.
An FNC member cannot simultaneously hold a public office in the UAE, including ministerial portfolios.
The FNC is the nation’s parliamentary body tasked with passing, amending and rejecting federal draft laws.
It is also responsible for reviewing the Annual General Budget, international treaties and agreements and other federal affairs in line with the constitution.
Elections are held every four years, with eight seats in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, six in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah and four each in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.
Emirati women must occupy half of all FNC positions.
An electronic system at nationwide polling stations will collect votes from the eligible electorate, restricted to Emiratis, on October 5.
Candidates can register an interest at several dedicated centres:
Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI)
Chairman Hall at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Zayed City Council, Al Dhafra
Dubai: World Trade Centre, Hatta C/D meeting rooms
Sharjah: Sharjah Advisory Council, hall 1
Ajman: Sheikh Hamid Hall in the Ajman Museum
Umm Al Quwain: Social Development Center
Ras Al Khaimah: The Grand Hall of the Cultural Center
Fujairah: Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
