The council, half of whose members are elected, was formed in 1972 as one of the five federal constitutional authorities to enhance political participation in the decision-making process. It had its first session on February 12 
that year.

Late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, during its opening session, defined the role and tasks of the council by saying, “Each segment of the society is involved in building life on this land and looks forward to your esteemed council to achieve what is aspired by participating in outlining a bright and prosperous future for us and for the younger generations of our children and grandchildren... And that the council is able to play an important role in realising the hopes of the people towards building a society of dignity and prosperity.”

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This support to the council continued by directives of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his speech to the FNC on the occasion of the first ordinary session of the 14^th Legislative Chapter of the council, which was inaugurated on February 12, 2007. Shaikh Khalifa described that day as “historic, and an important juncture in the nation's history”.

Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, FNC Speaker, in a speech to mark the 38^th anniversary, said the council since its establishment has had full support, follow-up and patronage of the UAE leadership, headed by Shaikh Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.

Al Ghurair also mentioned that during a meeting chaired by the President in the presence of Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, the UAE leadership reaffirmed its continued support to the council, which ended with the adoption by the Supreme Council of the Federation of the Constitutional Amendment No. 1 of 2009 to strengthen the council's role and expand its authorities in the context of the political programme of the UAE President.

Al Ghurair stressed the basic purpose of the council is to discuss and adopt anything that might provide a better life for UAE citizens and to participate in the discussion and approve legislation and laws that promote UAE infrastructure. He also commended the performance of FNC members and hailed the women participation, emphasising that they receive all the appreciation and respect.

Dr Mohammed Al Mazrouei, FNC Secretary-General, confirmed that the council's journey on its 38^th anniversary has been strengthened by many of the gains that shaped the current and future stages, particularly with the political programme set by the President enabling the council and its role to be supportive to the authority of the executive power.

He also hailed the Constitutional Amendment No. 1 of 2009 which addressed a number of the council articles.

Al Ghurair pointed out that the council continues to perform its constitutional legislative and regulatory duties, relying on the leadership's wise support through enabling it to play its role on national and international arena, at the same time. He also praised the contribution made by chairpersons and members of the council over legislative chapters.

He commended the positive and constructive role of the media and their accredited representatives in covering the work, events and activities of the council, which helped strengthen communication between the council and the society.

Gets More Powers

The FNC received the Constitutional Amendment No. 1 of 2009 that was approved by the Supreme Council during its meeting on December 2, 2008 under the chairmanship of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, coinciding with the 37^th 
National Day.

The amendment included a number of articles dealing with the FNC, enabling it to expand its powers gradually towards development and strengthening of its role.

It included increasing the council's period from two to four years, identifying the timing and duration of each session of the council to start in October instead of November and the council's right to discuss of international conventions concluded by the UAE, which referred to it by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa.

The amendment which included Articles 72, 78, 85 and 91 became another qualitative step of the political programme of the President in the promotion of democratic life and political participation in the country.

Members of the FNC, at the fifth session of the third regular session of the 14^th legislative term held on January 27, 2009 unanimously agreed on the amendment made by the Supreme Council.

Shaikh Khalifa, in his speech to the FNC on the occasion of the first ordinary session of the 14^th Legislative Chapter, which was inaugurated on February 12, 2007, said, “The leadership and citizens put their trust in FNC members after the first election experience for members of the council in the UAE hoping that the council will address worries of the nation and that the citizens would be the council's priority and that (it would hold) the public interest above all else.”

The next phase of the work of the FNC requires to focus on dealing more deeply with various issues and concerns that are still being discussed, including resettlement, national identity of the community, demographics, employment, technological literacy, and health and social services in addition to other issues, particularly with regard to women and their social and political role.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid, in his speech on behalf of the President at the opening of the fourth session of the 14^th Legislative Chapter of the council on October 21, 2009 confirmed “UAE leadership's keenness to support the council for its important role as a legislative authority playing its role in the service of national objectives and path of charity and development of the UAE, which was established by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan”.

Women Empowerment

In a move that strengthened the UAE's position in the ranks of advanced countries in supporting the participation of women in political life and parliamentary action, the President issued Decree No. 6 on February 4, 2007.

The journey of UAE women also received support, care and follow up from Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union and President of Family Development Foundation, which aims to rehabilitate women in UAE and refine their skills to fulfil their duties and responsibilities at best.

The Emirati woman, through her work as an FNC member, plays a distinct role at the domestic level through her participation in all discussions of the council. Female members of the council asked 13 questions to the ministers concerned and took part in the presentation of 14 subjects until the seventh meeting of the fourth round of the current 14^th legislative term.

Women members also chair a number of permanent committees in addition to some of the council's temporary committees and participate in its work, and have had an active role in committee meetings and field visits to various areas in the country. They are also actively taking part through foreign participation in regional and international conferences and meetings.