FNC Elections: Family stability tops candidates' agenda

Dubai - Proposals ranged from tackling the high cost of living to reducing Emirati women's working hours and setting up school tuition allocations.

The happiness and stability of Emirati families are at the core of the election agenda of a number of candidates running for seats at the Federal National Council.
Proposals ranged from tackling the high cost of living to reducing Emirati women's working hours and setting up school tuition allocations.
Lawyer Abdul Moneim bin Suwaidan, candidate number 364, suggested "establishing local factories" to reduce the import of goods and eventually bring down the cost of living in the country.
"In that way, we can face the increase in prices and the high cost of living. Such a move will reinforce the stability of local families and somehow reduce the domestic problems related to financial capabilities," said Bin Suwaidan, who owns Bin Suwaidan Firm for Advocates and Legal Consultants.
He's also a big supporter of Emiratisation, pointing out that increasing subsidies and reducing women's working hours can encourage more citizens to join firms in the private sector.

"If she works in the public sector, she can also work from home. In that way, she can take good care of her family and children," he added.
Mubarak Salem Al Atchan Al Mansouri, a candidate from Abu Dhabi (number 143), also supports shortening women's work hours, adding proposals for nanny allocations and making early retirement an option for them.
He also believes Emiratisation can be bolstered if a minimum wage will be set.
Supporting entrepreneurs
Fatma AlMheiri, candidate number 357, has a different take on helping families earn a living.
"We have been seeing lots of interest in securing jobs. But I believe entrepreneurship should be granted more of our investment to encourage our young generation to set up small and medium enterprises," said AlMheiri, director of department of investment and community responsibility at Community Development Authority.
She's proposing long-term commercial bank loans with low interests and including business feasibility as a subject in schools.
To help Emiratis with the cost of living, AlMheiri plans to present proposals for school tuition allocations and retirement benefits.
Finding solutions to education challenges also tops her agenda. She will be addressing issues like the low number of public schools and high fees in private schools.
mary@khaleejtimes.com
 

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