Crown Prince opens Sharjah Consultative Council’s second regular session

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, ceremonially commenced the second regular session of the eleventh legislative term of the Sharjah Consultative Council on Thursday morning.

The event took place in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, at the Council’s headquarters.

The Crown Prince conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to the Chairman and members of the SCC, commending the council's efforts during its previous session.

He acknowledged their commitment to collaborating with the government in achieving the public interest and adhering to the recommendations of His Highnes Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, concerning the Sharjah community.

The Crown Prince expressed hope for the sustained cooperation and contributions from the Sharjah Consultative Council, emphasising the shared goal of advancing the nation, its people, and its residents in terms of prosperity and pride.

During his speech, the Crown Prince discussed the accomplishments of the emirate in recent years, attributing them to the guidance and support of the Ruler of Sharjah. He mentioned the pride in witnessing various achievements in fields such as education, housing, employment, services, infrastructure, and food security, all of which aim to benefit the people of Sharjah. He also acknowledged that these achievements would not have been possible without divine grace and the directives, follow-up, and support of the Ruler of Sharjah.

The Crown Prince stated that Sharjah Ruler has utilised all available resources and has contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society. He recommended all government agencies in the emirate of Sharjah collaborate and work together to achieve public interest and maintain existing achievements, expressing confidence in their ability to fulfill this responsibility.

After his speech, He announced the commencement of the Consultative Council's second regular session of the eleventh legislative term. He stated, "On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and with God's blessing and guidance, we inaugurate your esteemed Council in its second regular session of the eleventh legislative term. We ask God Almighty that this opening will be an opening of goodness and blessings for the people and the country, and that God will protect the United Arab Emirates, its President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him, and his brothers the Rulers, Supreme Council Members, and that He will guide their steps towards goodness."

The ceremony commenced with the arrival of the Crown Prince at the Consultative Council Hall, accompanied by the rendition of the national anthem of the UAE, followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.

Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the SCC, recited Emiri Decree No. 56 of 2024, which pertains to the summoning of the Sharjah Consultative Council for its second regular session of the eleventh legislative term.

Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the SCC, delivered a speech welcoming the Crown Prince and appreciating his presence at the opening of the second regular session of the eleventh legislative term. He mentioned that the presence of the Crown Prince reflects the commitment to continuing the national work initiated by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, since the establishment of the Council as a national parliament in 1999.

The Council aims to express the needs of society, and the members work diligently to achieve the set goals. The work process under the Council’s dome continues with ambitions for progress and confidence in keeping pace with modernity while preserving authenticity in the future of the emirate of Sharjah.

Al Nuaimi stated that the Sharjah Consultative Council emphasises the importance of continuing national progress under the parliamentary dome, which represents the voice and aspirations of society. He highlighted the role of the council as a platform for consultation and stressed the collective effort to achieve the public interest and enhance cooperation between the leadership, the government, the council, and society.

The focus is on fulfilling the aspirations of the residents through development, well-being, and prosperity in alignment with the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah. This includes a strong emphasis on education, scientific research, economic development, and improving basic services to meet the growing needs of society and achieve food security.

The Chairman affirmed the council's dedication to enhancing communication channels with citizens, as well as to soliciting and incorporating their opinions and suggestions. The council is committed to pioneering innovative solutions that align with citizens' aspirations through its legislative and oversight capabilities, with a focus on prioritising national and citizen-centric needs and entitlements.

The SCC is actively engaged in convening meetings, seeking consultations, and conducting essential studies to provide informed guidance for the council in shaping its trajectory and future endeavours. Emphasising the council's unwavering belief in the significance of collaborative efforts in attaining the nation's objectives, it is steering towards the comprehensive development project of the emirateof Sharjah with resolute steps and astute discernment.

He stated that the Sharjah Consultative Council looks forward to completing its parliamentary role with the support of the Ruler of Sharjah and the combined efforts of all institutions and bodies of the Sharjah government. The council aims to work in cooperation with the Sharjah Executive Council to serve the public interest and achieve the benefit of the nation, citizens, and residents in the emirate.

The message emphasises the commitment to enhancing fruitful cooperation and mutual understanding to achieve accomplishments that contribute to raising the status of the emirateof Sharjah.

Al Nuaimi concluded his speech by stating the commitment to continue the journey towards giving and excellence, and to effectively participate in performing national duties with honesty and sincerity. The speech also included a plea for divine assistance in achieving success in these endeavours.

After the inaugural session, the Supreme Council of the Country (SCC) conducted its initial procedural meeting, presided over by Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi. The Council deliberated on the matter of its standing committees, which include: the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee; the Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee; the Education, Youth, Culture, and Media Affairs Committee; the Health, Labor, and Social Affairs Committee; the Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Municipalities, Security Affairs, and Public Facilities Committee; the Family Affairs Committee; and the Recommendations Preparation Committee. The Council reached a consensus to retain the standing committees.

During the current session, Dr Ahmed Saleh Al Naqbi and Dr Ruqayya Al Zaabi have been elected as observers of the Council.

The opening was attended by, Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC); Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department; Sheikh Khaled Bin Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Qasimi is the Chairman of the Sharjah Seaports and Customs; Sheikh Khalid bin Essam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation; Sheikh Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; Sheikh Majid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Districts Affairs Department; Sheikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Prevention and Safety Authority; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Labour Standards Development Authority; Dr Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; a number of members of the Federal National Council, senior officials, heads and directors of local departments, and former heads of the Sharjah Consultative Council.