Day #3 – UAE Government

An oldie, but a goodie – don't judge a book by its cover.

I have always been fascinated with governments, how it is formed, how it works, and what makes it work, or not work. Today, we visited the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, and surprisingly, we were allowed to sit in the seats that MPs sit on. As we walked in, we were greeted by a lavish setting of seats, pictures, and an aura of royalty. We were served hot tea and coffee and offered sandwiches and tasty pastries. I learned that when they serve you coffee in the intricate and tiny little cups, you have to shake the cup to signify that you are finished, otherwise, they will keep pouring.

Just as we were beginning to get used to the great accommodation, we were all told to rise as the Speaker, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, made his way through the crowd of program participants to shake each and every hand. He thanked us all for coming and explained that today's session would be boring as there were only few non-heated debates on the agenda. We were later told that we shook the hand of a $8 Billion man.

In their massive session floor, probably bigger than the Capitol building session floor, we watched the FNC session. I found it very interesting that the topic and debate was not so different from what I normally hear at the Guam Legislature. The topic was of the international financial crisis. A Senator Guthertz-like MP asked why the FNC was not discussing the matter. Then, a Senator BJ Cruz-like stood up to explain how it was irresponsible for the government to claim that a financial crisis does not exist when all of the indicators of such were avid and apparent. He also pointed out that they only hear things from the media and not the government. Then, the Eddie Calvo of the group stood up to explain that they should all agree with the government and wait until they could present their findings as they have enver failed in the past to get the information to them.

As I was writing my notes, I couldn't help but be very amused (and I think I chuckled a little) that this scene was all too familiar. I felt like I was back at home at the Guam Legislature listening in on session or a public hearing. The Speaker even had a Speaker Judi Won Pat essence in that he made sure everyone had their turn and was treated equally. I guess no matter where you are, governments, no matter how different, are quite similar.

The basic gist of the debate was that there is a financial crisis that should be addressed at the very moment, but was being delayed for lack of information from the government. Several MPs wanted to discuss the matter at the very moment.

After witnessing their quasi-legislature in action, we took a tour of the building and met with three MPs in a very satisfying panel-like meeting. It was amazing the level of responses they gave, very honest, very to the point, and very trustworthy. This was something that I viewed as a refreshing difference from the Guam Legislature, and even the US Congress. I have worked with a lot of politicians over the years and have not seen this kind of breed. I think American and Guamanian politicians should learn from their UAE counterparts.

We then visited the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, an independent entity that aims to promote and encourage research. I wish we had something similar to Guam. Maybe I could get with the University to push for something like this. All their research is based on helping the nation, the region, and the world progress. We also met with representatives from Mubadala to get an overview of the investments of the government of Abu Dhabi.

Throughout the day, I have learned very interesting facts:
1. To run for a position in the FNC, there is a Dhs2,000,000 ceiling for campaigning.
2. Education and Healthcare (just like all over the world) are the top issues brought up by constituents to their government leaders.
3. It is very easy for anyone and everyone to directly contact their government leaders. Their mobile numbers are on the internet. “Open mind, open house.”
4.FNC members are very interested in key performance indicators.
5.60% of their economy is oil driven, but they want to change that to formulate business ventures to help build economic diversity.
6.Investments are based on agility, return, and home-grown products.
7.They want to invest in alternative energy and move away from oil as they believe sustainability is priority.
8.Just like Guam, their human resources are depleting and they don't have many specialties that forces their people to seek medical attention elsewhere. They try to send out their people to get an education and come back, but such as in the medical field, they do not come back because of the lack of efficient medical facilities, but they are working toward that goal.
9.There is a policy to try to get skills and technology of foreigners transferred to their people; they do this by learning from the best standards in the world.
10.There exists a compulsory, employer-funded health insurance for all residents and nationals.
11.They want to brand their emirate as a national identity and not just a tourist destination.

The day ended perfectly. We had a great surprise; we were meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Highness was very welcoming and stood with a presence of respect and authority, but had a kindness and modesty in his eyes that reflected his true passion he had for serving his people and mankind. He took the time to shake each and every hand of ours and even took the time away from meeting with this people to take a photo and have a brief conversation with awe-struck Emiraties and Trumans.

My favorite quotes of the day:

“Knowledge is great, keep reading. You will then realize that with all the knowledge you are getting, you don't really know much.” -Ahmed Shabeeb Al Dhaheri, First Deputy Speaker, FNC

“Do not base everything on your self interest. Constantly seek knowledge. Do what you are passionate about; don't work for the money.” --Najla Faysal Rabih Al Awadi, FNC

The Crown Prince also gave a thought provoking statement. He said that he was very impressed and encouraged that a group of young and future leaders were getting together to interact and learn from one another as the future is us. He looked at all of us and said that the future of the UAE is not the 2.5 million barrels of oil they produce, but the future that stood before him.