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The Federal National Council (FNC), the unicameral parliament of the country, was formed under the Provisional Constitution of the United Arab Emirates in 1972. It includes the Supreme Council, the President, the Cabinet and the Judiciary.
The council is composed of 40 members, with representation based on the population of each emirate. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, six each and Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, four each.
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan last year announced that 20 members will be elected by the citizens of the country and 20 nominated and sent by the Federation's emirates.
The first session of the FNC was inaugurated by the late President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on February 13, 1972. The council has completed 13 legislative chapters.
Over the last 34 years the FNC has also proved to be a key instrument in the country's policy-making. According to the Constitution, federal draft laws have to pass through it for review and recommendations.
The draft laws are presented to the council for discussion and amendments are sent back to the Cabinet for approval.
The FNC is also a forum where members have the right to question ministers under the norms and rules of the council. Cabinet members are often grilled and criticised constructively by members during debates.
The council has been so effective that the government has been forced to reconsider policies from time to time.
The history of the council also shows that the majority of its recommendations and amendments have been adopted and included in laws by the government, resulting in a positive infrastructure and social development.
At an international level, the FNC is a member of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) as well as the Arab Parliamentary Union (APU) and participates actively in these bodies.
An important element of the council is its special house committees that use technical expertise to examine draft laws and new rules to benefit the people.
The council also has several technical research and information collecting units at its directorate to help the legislative body perform its duties. In March 2000, the council established a new unit called The Department of Research and Study to come up with scientific studies on social and political issues.
The department also coordinates with the press, prepares and studies media campaigns and announcements and prepares reports.
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