On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, opened today the Federal National Council's third regular session of the 16th legislative chapter, in the presence of Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, ministers, diplomats, and senior civil and military officials.

Upon arrival, H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid was greeted by the guard of honour lining a red carpet. Following a recital from the Holy Quran, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid announced the official opening of the session. President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had issued a Federal Decree convening the 3rd regular session of 16th legislative chapter of the council.

Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council, FNC, vowed that the council will work diligently to complete legislations necessary to effectively counter terrorism and extremism.

Al Qubaisi said that the FNC's Strategic Plan depends on strengthening cooperation and coordination between government bodies, and supporting efforts aiming to achieve the UAE’s general policies and national vision, as well as bolstering social cohesion. The strategy aims to support the engagement of citizens in FNC activities, express their ideas about national issues and develop the legislative and control performance of the FNC.

During the session, the FNC reviewed a number of draft laws including 2016 closing accounts, safety of products and certificates of origin or documents used in international trade.

The opening ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras al-Khaimah, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative in the Eastern Region, H.H. Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, along with a number of senior government and military officials, and heads of international diplomatic missions in the UAE.