Dubai Press Club hosts seminar on 'Emarati women towards the Parliament: Horizons and Challenges'

The seminar focused on vital and topical issues related to the first electoral experience for women in the UAE.

Speakers included Dr. Habib Al Mulla, Chairman, Dubai Financial Services Authority, Ayesha Sultan, Writer and Dr. Ibtisam Al Ketbi, Political Science Lecturer at Emirates University. The seminar was moderated by Faten Azzam, Managing Editor of Arwa Magazine.

Sulaiman Abou Zaki, Editor-in-Chief, Arwa magazine said: "The latest decision by the UAE Government to open the doors for women to participate in the first Federal National Council elections is yet another milestone achievement for UAE women."

Maryam bin Fahad, Events Manager, Dubai Press Club said: "Dubai Press Club as a forum for the exchange of ideas hosted this seminar that discussed the participation of women in the landmark elections to the UAE Federal National Council. Some interesting insights were shared by the distinguished speakers and audience. "

The 35th anniversary of UAE is marked by the elections to the Federal National Council (FNC). 50 per cent of the FNC members will be elected through an Electoral College of every emirate.

The elections would take place over three days starting December 16, the second day being on December 18 and the third December 20.

UAE women's growing interest in the election process is demonstrated by 65 women standing for election to the National Assembly including 14 in Abu Dhabi, 15 in Dubai, 29 in Sharjah, three in Ras Al-Khaimah, two in Ajman, one in Un Al-Qaiwan and one in Fujeira.

The proportion of male candidates is 85.75 per cent of the total number of people standing for election while the proportion of female candidates is 14.25 per cent.