Abdulsalam Alshehhi Appointed to UAE Federal National Council, Representing Ras Al Khaimah
Abdulsalam Abdulla Ahmed Mohammed Alshehhi has joined the UAE’s Federal National Council (FNC) as a member representing Ras Al Khaimah, following the issuance of a Federal Decree appointing him to complete the remainder of his predecessor’s term.
Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Elections Committee, welcomed the appointment and highlighted the responsibilities associated with serving on the Council.
Al Owais said FNC membership represents both a national mandate and a public duty, requiring members to represent all citizens of the UAE rather than only the emirate they represent.
UAE Reaffirms Support for Federal National Council
Al Owais expressed his appreciation to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continued support for the country’s parliamentary processes and efforts to empower the FNC in its legislative, advisory and guiding role.
He highlighted the President’s vision of a Council that is more effective and responsive to national priorities and public concerns, while upholding the principles of meaningful participation and Shura.
How Vacant FNC Seats Are Filled
The appointment follows the procedures outlined in Article 67 of the Executive Instructions for the Federal National Council Elections.
Under the rules, when the seat of an elected FNC member becomes vacant at least three months before the end of the Council’s term, it is filled by the candidate from the same emirate who received the highest number of votes on the reserve list.
The replacement must also match the gender of the departing member: a male member is replaced by the highest-polling male candidate on the reserve list, while a female member is replaced by the highest-polling female candidate.
The incoming member completes the remainder of the predecessor’s term and formally assumes membership following the issuance of a Federal Decree admitting the member to the Council.
Tribute to Saeed Rashed Alaabdi
Alshehhi succeeds the late Saeed Rashed Alaabdi, whose service and contributions to the UAE were acknowledged by Al Owais.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to H.E. Abdulsalam Abdulla Alshehhi on joining the Federal National Council as an elected member representing the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, succeeding the late H.E. Saeed Rashed Alaabdi,” Al Owais said.
He paid tribute to Alaabdi’s contributions to advancing national interests and expressed prayers for mercy upon the deceased.
Al Owais also wished Alshehhi the strength and wisdom to fulfil his responsibilities and contribute to the FNC’s mission of serving the nation.
