Political Developments in the UAE

The Government Leaders Programme, an initiative by Mohammad bin Rashid Leadership Development Programme, hosted Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, at its second Dubai Policy Watch event on "Political Developments in the UAE". Gargash addressed a number of government leaders on various topics within the spectrum of the recently held Federal National Council (FNC) elections, initiating a lucid and transparent dialogue with participants of the Government Leaders Programme. Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government, moderated the session. During the seminar, Gargash analyzed the first election in the history of the UAE, and discussed the agenda for post-election political development. He also focused on political reform in the region and its effects on the UAE. He said: "The election was successful in creating a platform for a profound political and cultural dialogue in the media and citizens, contributing to a nation-wide discussion of the UAE strategy. It also spotlighted the nation's priority to develop the political environment and encouraging public participation in all aspects of its growth."As an ongoing initiative launched by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the elections will result in an increase of FNC members and empower them to work more closely with the government on issues of national significance within the numerous sub-committees formed by the FNC." The discussion also touched upon the positive and highly successful role played by women during the UAE elections. Dr. Gargash said: "The role played by women in these elections highlight the progressiveness of the UAE, a country in which 75 percent of all university graduates are women. The country continues to utilize this important segment of its workforce in key positions of leadership. This has happened naturally, without the social debate and turmoil that we see elsewhere in the Arab world. This fact is a real credit to the leadership of the UAE and their commitment to excellence." Adel Al Shared, Director of Mohammad Bin Rashid Leadership Development Programme, said: "With the historical FNC elections, the UAE has taken a big step towards democratization. This seminar has allowed participants of the Government Leaders Programme to express their opinions, assess the experience, and be proactive participants in the nation-wide dialogue regarding the future growth and development of the UAE".The National Election Committee presented trophies and two certificates of appreciation to the Executive Office and the Dean of the Dubai School of Government acknowledging their support during the elections and continuing commitment to promoting good governance. Nabil Yousef also presented an award to Dr. Anwar Gargash from the DSG.The Government Leaders Programme initiated the Dubai Policy Watch as a periodic event in collaboration with the Dubai School of Government. It offers a platform for discussing policies and encouraging the exchange of views to allow participants to gain an in-depth view of current policy issues that affect Dubai, while including them in the decision making process. The first session of the Dubai Policy Watch series hosted Mattar Al Tayer, CEO of Dubai Transport Authority.