Acting on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the new UAE parliamentary term, opening the third ordinary session of the 18th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strong parliamentary engagement and reflected the country’s ongoing focus on governance, development and future readiness.
The session was convened in line with Federal Decree No. (151) of 2025, issued by the President to call the Federal National Council (FNC) into its third ordinary session of the current legislative chapter. The decree set the constitutional framework for the Council’s work in the coming period, ensuring continuity in legislative and oversight functions that support national priorities.
High-level attendance at opening session
The inauguration drew a wide representation of senior UAE leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, who attended alongside Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. The presence of top federal leaders signaled the importance attached to the FNC’s role as a key institution within the UAE’s governance system.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, senior dignitaries, civic and military officials and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the UAE. Their participation reflected both domestic and international recognition of the country’s parliamentary process and its contribution to stability, development and international cooperation.
Saqr Ghobash highlights exceptional year for UAE
In his keynote address, His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, expressed deep gratitude to the UAE leadership for its sustained support to the Council and its members. He stressed that this backing enables the FNC to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, from legislation to oversight, in alignment with the leadership’s vision.
Ghobash described 2025 as an exceptional year for the UAE, marked by advancements in competitiveness, security, economic performance, innovation, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and overall quality of life. He noted that the country has continued to move up global rankings, reinforcing its position among leading nations in terms of soft power, influence and future-focused development.
Focus on community, family and national values
The FNC Speaker emphasized that declaring 2025 as the Year of Community and 2026 as the Year of the Family reflects a clear national focus on human values and social cohesion. These designations highlight the importance of belonging, strong family structures and shared responsibility in building a united and resilient society.
Ghobash explained that these national themes are designed to strengthen social bonds, reinforce identity and ensure that development goes hand in hand with community well-being and family stability. He linked these initiatives to the broader national vision, in which human capital and social fabric are seen as central pillars of sustainable progress.
Record federal budget signals confidence
During his address, the Speaker pointed to the approval of the federal budget for 2026, describing it as the largest in the history of the UAE. This record budget, he said, sends a clear signal of continued growth, confidence in national capabilities and sustained investment in strategic sectors that support citizens and residents alike.
The expanded budget is expected to underpin projects and programmes across key areas such as infrastructure, social services, innovation, education and future technologies. Ghobash indicated that this financial framework will help reinforce the UAE’s competitive edge while advancing long-term national goals.
UAE’s role in peace and global cooperation
Ghobash also reaffirmed that the UAE continues to play an active and leading role in promoting regional and international peace. He highlighted the country’s efforts to support dialogue, coexistence and mutual understanding, as well as its humanitarian approach in extending help to those in need around the world.
He underscored the UAE’s firm and ongoing support for the Palestinian people, aligning with the country’s long-standing stance on justice, humanitarian assistance and peaceful solutions. The Speaker linked this consistent foreign policy approach to the UAE’s broader vision of stability, cooperation and shared prosperity.
FNC commitment to future-ready nation
Concluding his remarks, Ghobash reaffirmed the Federal National Council’s commitment to its constitutional duties and to supporting the leadership’s vision for a future-ready nation. He stressed that the Council will continue to work as a partner in nation building, aligning legislation and oversight with the UAE’s strategic priorities and people’s aspirations.
He ended with a prayer for the UAE, its leadership and its people, asking for continued security, stability and prosperity. The opening of the new parliamentary term thus set a tone of optimism, responsibility and unity as the Council embarks on its upcoming agenda.
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