This lecture addresses the role of the Federal National Council (FNC) in supporting the development of the Federation since its foundation in 1972, by virtue of the FNC being one of the five federal authorities stipulated in the constitution. The FNC supports the Federation in its capacity as a representative of the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and expresses their thoughts and concerns. The lecture focuses on two central subjects: popular participation in the UAE and the role of the FNC in the development of the Federation; and the future role of the FNC in establishing democracy. This development has gone through two phases; the first was that of foundation, which reinforced the federal political system through the legislative and supervisory role of the FNC. The second was of empowerment, aimed at supporting political participation in the State through national elections and promoting the FNC to meet the challenges facing the country. The second phase also saw constitutional amendments made to activate and improve the performance of the FNC.

The FNC now plays a tangible role in supporting the State’s progress in the domestic and external spheres. The FNC aspires to establish democracy in the future by supporting and guiding the decision-making process of the government in the interests of the State.