Dubai: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today opened the third ordinary session of the 17th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC), in the presence of Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, ministers and senior officials.

HH Sheikh Mohammed was received by His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, at the FNC headquarters. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers then headed to the Zayed Hall. The ceremony commenced with the recital of verses from the Holy Quran. HH Sheikh Mohammed then officially inaugurated the third ordinary session of the FNC’s 17th legislative chapter.

HH Sheikh Mohammed read a Decree issued by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which invites the FNC to convene the third ordinary term of its 17th legislative chapter.

During the opening, HE Saqr Ghobash delivered a speech welcoming the attendees and thanking the leadership for supporting the FNC. HE Ghobash said that the FNC will continue serving as a platform for conveying the aspirations and hopes of citizens and supporting the government in achieving excellence in its journey.

His Excellency also commended the performance and progress achieved in the UAE Government and said that the FNC will continue to be committed in serving the nation and its people and working to strengthen the UAE’s position in global competitiveness indexes.

The opening session was attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance;  His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Also present were His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; and a number of senior officials.

At the end of the ceremony, His Highness took a commemorative photo with the FNC speaker and members of the Council.