ABU DHABI: FNC to discuss free housing proposal

Proposals to give houses to Emiratis regardless of their marital status, making the last 10 days of Ramadan a holiday and the issue of domestic violence are on the agenda for the Federal National Council session on Tuesday.

The UAE Cabinet has approved the FNC’s recommendation on housing, which called for every Emirati, married or unmarried, male or female, to get a house.

The decision came after the council discussed policies of the Ministry of Public Works on building homes and federal roads during a session last year.

The new recommendations include cooperation between federal entities and housing authorities to ensure that every citizen receives a suitable home.

The Ministry of Public Works will continue to deal with housing requests from Emiratis.

Musabeh Al Ketbi (Sharjah) said the Ministry of Public Works supervised procedures, but the finances came from the Zayed Housing Fund and other initiatives.

“This has been approved by the council because the basics of any proper living condition is to have a home. Today we have a high percentage of divorces, or Emirati women who are married to non-Emiratis,” Mr Al Ketbi said.

“A woman has the right to guarantee her future and that of her children.”

He said men who had more than one wife must ensure all their wives had a home.

“Why does the second wife have to suffer and live in a small apartment or with her parents? It is her right to have a good life,” he said.

Mr Al Ketbi will also ask Hassan Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, on his proposal for a public holiday during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

He said the output during this period was affected because “they spend their nights in worship, shopping for Eid clothes or visiting family members”.

Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, will discuss a policy against domestic violence.

Member Aisha Al Yammahi (Fujairah) will question Minister of Health Abdulrahman Al Owais on sterilisation procedures in hospitals.

Mr Al Owais failed to attend the previous session and requested a postponement.

A committee for planning projects will also be formed to look into the maintenance and development of roads in Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Dhaid, in Sharjah.

Members will also discuss next year’s budget, Etisalat’s sponsorship deal with Barcelona Football Club, new bonuses for notaries public in the judicial department, and shisha cafe legislation.

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