Review

​The Consultative Governance in the UAE

By KOMAL CHOUDHRY

Read the passage and answer the following

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan believed that a strong government must listen to its people. He said, “We are all in the same boat, and they are both captain and crew.” This means that leaders and citizens must work together. The UAE follows a system of consultative governance, where people’s opinions are valued. Leaders often meet citizens, listen to their concerns, and make decisions based on the public’s needs. This tradition is rooted in Shura, an Islamic method of consultation that encourages advice and participation.

Multiple Choice

Sheikh Zayed’s quote suggests that:

• A. Only leaders control the country
  
  
  

• Citizens and leaders share responsibility

• Citizens make all decisions

• Government does not listen

Multiple Choice

What Islamic tradition supports UAE decision-making?

• Shura
• Tafsir
• Ijma
• Fatwa

Multiple Choice

Consultative governance means decisions are:

• based solely on expert opinions
• decided by a single authority
• Made with public input

• made without public feedback

The Federal National Council (FNC)

The Federal National Council (FNC), or المجلس الوطني الاتحادي, is an important advisory body in the UAE. Half of its members are elected by Emirati citizens, and the other half are appointed by the rulers. The FNC discusses laws, national issues, and provides advice to the government. Although it does not make laws, it plays a major role in improving them by reviewing policies and suggesting changes. The FNC strengthens the connection between the government and the people.

Multiple Choice

The FNC is:

• A sports committee

• An advisory council

• Federal National Councilor

Multiple Choice

The FNC strengthens:

• The military alliances of the UAE.
• The Connection between leaders and citizens

• The cultural heritage of the UAE.
• The economic policies of the UAE.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution & UAE Leadership

In 2017, over 700 experts met in Dubai at the World Economic Forum to discuss the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which involves AI, robotics, and digital technologies. For two years, 35 global future councils created a Vision for 2030, focusing on health, workplace, mobility, and sustainability. The UAE became the first country to appoint a Minister for Artificial Intelligence. Mohammad Al Gergawi explained that the UAE aims to transform technology into a shared global plan. Sheikh Mohammed launched the Internet of Things Strategy and Data Wealth initiative. One major prediction for 2030 is that humans will work side-by-side with robots.

Multiple Choice

The Fourth Industrial Revolution includes:

• Traditional manufacturing processes and assembly lines.
• Basic Farming tools

• Traditional machines

• AI and robotics

Multiple Choice

The UAE appointed the world’s first:

• Minister for Artificial Intelligence

• Minister of State for Cybersecurity
• Minister of State for Climate Change
• Minister of State for Renewable Energy

Multiple Choice

Sheikh Mohammed launched:

• Movie industry plan

• Dubai Economic Growth Strategy
• Space travel rules

• Internet of Things Strategy

Multiple Choice

A future vision for 2030 includes:

• A. Complete reliance on AI
• B. Humans working with robots
• C. Increasing manual labor
• D. Reducing workforce numbers