Sharjah24: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, emphasised the significance of the role played by the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) in supporting the government in decision-making, understanding the needs of society, and assisting in the development of legislative systems and procedures aimed at providing a decent life for citizens. His Highness highlighted his reliance on the observations, recommendations, and proposals presented by the council and their incorporation into governmental actions.

That came in His Highness's speech delivered this Thursday morning during the inauguration of the proceedings of the first regular session of the 11th legislative chapter of the Sharjah Consultative Council, at the council’s headquarters, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Chairman of the Executive Council, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

His Highness addressed the key social issues and figures that he is actively working on with the specialised government entities in the Emirate. He noted that the population of citizens in the Emirate of Sharjah is 210,000, with 36% being youth aged between 15 and 35, totaling 76,500 individuals. This demographic represents the group most in need of government services such as education, employment, and housing.

His Highness highlighted the significant attention he personally gives to the education sector. Universities and academies in Sharjah offer hundreds of academic programmes at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, providing thousands of scholarships to ensure education accessibility for all Sharjah citizens. He emphasised that individuals aspiring for education will always have access to opportunities and assistance to successfully pursue their studies and broaden their intellectual and cultural horizons.

Regarding housing, His Highness explained that citizens submit housing requests with a total of 2,600 applications, of which 70% meet the criteria and undergo evaluation. Council members will discuss the remaining 800 applications. He urged council members to verify the circumstances surrounding the lack of support and cautioned against rushing judgements on such matters. His Highness reiterated his commitment to expedite the provision of housing support, aiming for beneficiaries to receive assistance at the start of family formation and marriage within three years.

His Highness also highlighted the housing support, which includes interest-free loans for an extended period, with the government covering the interest. This support encompasses ready-made housing grants and grants for individuals to build on their allocated land, where differences often arise in cases where there is a lack of agreement between the landowner and the contractor.

Addressing the employment sector, His Highness mentioned that the government annually provides between 2,500 and 3,000 jobs with competitive salaries. Graduates start with a salary of 25,000 AED, while the lowest salary offered is 17,500 AED. His Highness, after studying the needs of families and their decent living, approved these salary structures in consultation with government entities.

His Highness also discussed the category of retirees from federal agencies and institutions among the citizens of the Emirate of Sharjah, totaling 4,415 retired individuals with low incomes. Starting January 1, 2023, this group will receive a supplementary grant that increases their monthly income to 17,500 AED, resulting in an annual cost of 270 million AED. His Highness noted that their numbers are increasing.

His Highness explained that the Department of Social Services will give a supplementary grant to households, such as couples or siblings, totaling 2,114 families, starting on January 1, 2024, among the 8,547 cases of aid beneficiaries.

Concerning single individuals benefiting from the Department of Social Services, numbering 6,295 individuals, His Highness mentioned that the cases include people with disabilities. Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services will study their cases to provide appropriate assistance. His Highness clarified that other cases involve orphans, widows, and others.

His Highness also addressed water and electricity projects that will serve the Emirate for the next ten years. The development of water stations has received an allocation of up to 828 million AED over the past five years. The estimated cost of the upcoming projects is two billion AED. His Highness highlighted reservoir projects, such as the City Reservoir with a capacity of 1.3 billion gallons, Al Hefaiyah Lake with a capacity of 125 million gallons, Freyash Dam with a capacity of 125 million gallons, Al Rafisah Dam with a capacity of 250 million gallons, Al Ghazir Dam with a capacity of 250 million gallons, Al Dhaid Lake with a capacity of 400 million gallons, and the Hamriyah Plant, which will provide 90 million gallons daily, equivalent to Sharjah's current consumption.

His Highness added that between 2020 and 2023, the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority allocated 17 billion AED for the development and replacement of power stations and their extensions to serve the Emirate for the next 10 years.

Lastly, His Highness urged the Consultative Council members to never let their emotions get the best of them by staying enlightened and aware. Communicating the needs of the community was his first priority, and he stressed the significance of keeping talks respectful, reasonable, and realistic.

The opening proceedings commenced with the arrival of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, at the Consultative Council for the Emirate of Sharjah.

Welcoming him upon arrival were dignitaries including Saqr Ghobash Al Marri, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Central Finance Department in Sharjah, Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman for Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, Sheikh Khalid bin Essam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation Department, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Districts and Villages Affairs Department, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Digital Office, and Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs. Also present were several members of the Federal National Council and local officials, heads, and directors of various local departments.

Following this, the 50 members of the Consultative Council took their oath before His Highness, expressing their gratitude and appreciation for his leadership. They pledged to fulfil their duties with dedication and sincerity, in line with His Highness's directives and vision.

Then, the first session began, chaired by the eldest member, Ibrahim Mohammed Juma Al Mansoori. During this session, the members elected Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi as the Chairman of the Consultative Council for the Emirate of Sharjah. Ms. Halima Humaid Al Owais became the Vice Chairman of the Consultative Council for the Emirate of Sharjah.

Following that, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, along with the attendees, proceeded to the Consultative Council Hall to commence the session. The session began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. His Highness then officially opened the first regular session of the eleventh legislative term of the Consultative Council for the Emirate of Sharjah. He expressed his wishes for the Council's success and effectiveness during its term, aiming to serve the interests of the nation and the emirate and to achieve prosperity for the citizens and residents of Sharjah.

Then Abdullah Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the Chairman of the Consultative Council, delivered a speech in which he said, 'The gracious opening of your Highness for the first regular session of the eleventh legislative term reflects your constant commitment to enhancing the role of citizens in decision-making and active participation in the development and progress of society. Your wise vision promotes the concept of nationalism and encourages sustainable development. We emphasise the importance of the national work that you continue to pursue, building the present and envisioning the future. We are committed to following your wise directives, which represent a strong push towards supporting development and progress in various fields.”

The Chairman of the Consultative Council added, 'We express our pride and joy in the success of the Consultative Council elections in the third session of 2023. This success undoubtedly reflects the positive interaction and active participation of citizens in the Emirate of Sharjah in choosing their representatives in this council. The significant participation in registration and voting highlights the spirit of commitment and belonging to building and enhancing a better future for our society and our emirate. We look forward to achieving progress and prosperity under your wise leadership. We also value what the Consultative Council has achieved as a representative of the people of the Emirate of Sharjah, expressing their voices under your guidance. The values of consultation and national participation in decision-making are embodied, aligning with your aspirations to involve citizens and enhance their role in assisting you in the advancement of our beloved nation.”

Al Nuaimi highlighted that the Council operates in accordance with the directives of His Highness, saying, "Your Highness's guidance renews the role of the Consultative Council for the Emirate of Sharjah. The Council seeks to contribute to realising the aspirations of citizens and meeting their needs. Everyone is committed to providing support and guidance to the government to achieve the aspirations and well-being of our citizens."

He added, "The gracious opening of your Highness for the first regular session of the eleventh legislative term reflects the great national interaction and the confidence that citizens place in this parliamentary institution. This trust and dedication serve as strong motivators for the Council to continue making progress and serving the nation."

He expressed gratitude for the continuous support and guidance from His Highness, which contributes to the development of government operations and serves the community. He stated, "Thanks to your wise guidance and generous support, national communication between citizens and government institutions will be enhanced. The Council will continue to support the government in a scene that reflects integration and effective cooperation to achieve the well-being of citizens and meet their diverse needs."

He further stated, "With your wise guidance and generous support, the Consultative Council for the Emirate of Sharjah is preparing, with the help of Allah, to enter a new legislative term, tackling challenges throughout four consecutive sessions. During this period, the Council aims to strengthen its capabilities, maximise its impact, adhere to national issues, address citizens' concerns, and activate the values of effective participation and consultation. The Council seeks to activate the values of effective participation and consultation, which have been its fundamental pillars since its establishment in 1999."

Finally, Al Nuaimi promised that the Council would keep making great contributions and would reach new heights of excellence. He stressed that the Council would carry out its duties with a strong sense of national pride in order to help people live decent lives by meeting their present and future demands with the resources and direction they require.

He emphasised that the Council will base its work on a true foundation, supported by consultation and community building in the Emirate of Sharjah. He stated that the Council serves as a free platform for exchanging opinions, enhancing communication between citizens and officials, and actively participating in fulfilling tasks with integrity and sincerity. The goal is to achieve progress, prosperity, and the pride of the sons and daughters of our beloved emirate.

Following Al Nuaimi’s speech, Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, the Secretary-General of the Consultative Council for the Emirate of Sharjah, read the Amiri Decree No. 81 for the year 2023 regarding the invitation of the Consultative Council for the Emirate of Sharjah to convene for its regular session, the first of the eleventh legislative term.

After that, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah took a commemorative photo with the Chairman and members of the Consultative Council for its eleventh session. His Highness then invited the attendees to partake in a lunch banquet hosted on this occasion.