The meeting was chaired by The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah and Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman.
Also present were Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Shaikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain.
As per amendment of the first article, the word prime minister’s deputy is substituted with deputies. The new amendment states that one of the prime minister’s deputies will exercise and assume all powers of prime minister when he is absent for any reason by an order from Supreme Council chairman upon recommendation from the prime minister.
The amendment of Article 62 of the constitution states that the prime minister or his deputies, or any federal minister should not indulge in any professional work, commercial, financial or any trade deal with the federal government or local governments while on duty. Any of the above mentioned officials should not also hold more official jobs besides his/ her main official job in any government of the emirates.
As per amendment of the Article 72, the membership duration of the Federal National Council (FNC) will be four years instead of two.
Meanwhile, the amendment in Article 78, says that the FNC will hold annual ordinary session every seven months. It will begin in the third week of October each year. An extraordinary session can be convened, but only to look into the raised motion.
The amendment in Article 81 states that the FNC will have a general secretariat to be headed by general secretary and its functions will be specified by the bylaws, which will be enacted by the FNC and issued by the chairman of the Supreme Council of the Federation upon recommendation from the Federal Supreme Council.
The amended Article 91 says that the government will report to the FNC the international treaties and agreements, which are to be discussed by the FNC before their ratification.
These constitutional amendments will be effective from the date of publishing in the official gazette.
During the meeting, Shaikh Khalifa stressed the importance of strengthening the federation in a way that would fulfil the aspirations of the citizens and bring about further progress and prosperity.
Council members discussed matters relating to the welfare of the nation and citizens.
On Tuesday, the President also received Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers.
Shaikh Khalifa exchanged greetings with them on the occasion of the country’s 37th National Day.
He also accepted greetings from shaikhs, Federal National Council Speaker Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, National Consultative Council Speaker Abdullah Al Masaoud, members of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and senior officials.
