Tanks and troops line red carpet as Sheikh Mohammed opens FNC

The UAE Vice President arrives at the FNC headquarters to give the opening speech of the council's first session following a parliamentary break.

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ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, arrived at the FNC headquarters earlier today to give the opening speech at the first session of the council since its parliamentary break.

In the Federal National Council chamber, diplomats, top government officials and FNC members fell silent as they viewed the events on an indoor projector showing Sheikh Mohammed standing in silence as the national anthem played on speakers.

Once the anthem was over, Sheikh Mohammed walked down a red carpet lined with an impressive array of tanks and troops, followed by military men, and was greeted near the council's entrance by Mohammed Al Mur, the speaker of the FNC.

Sheikh Mohammed will give the opening speech soon.

osalem@thenational.ae