Federal National Council to Debate Meteorology Reform, Higher Education Policy and Emiratisation
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Federal National Council (FNC) is set to convene on Wednesday to deliberate a series of key legislative and policy issues covering meteorology governance, higher education admissions and scholarships, Emiratisation in academia, health insurance policy, family protection and the wellbeing of teaching staff.
Strengthening Meteorology Governance
At the top of the agenda is a draft federal law amending provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (6) of 2007 concerning the establishment and organisation of the National Centre of Meteorology.
The proposed amendments aim to reinforce the legislative framework governing the Centre’s mandate and operations. The move reflects the growing strategic importance of meteorological services in supporting aviation safety, climate monitoring, disaster preparedness and sustainable development planning across the UAE.
Reviewing Higher Education Admissions and Scholarships
Council members will also examine government policies and programmes related to student admissions in higher education institutions, as well as scholarship and study grant frameworks.
Discussions are expected to focus on aligning academic outcomes with labour market demands, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities and assessing the effectiveness of scholarship schemes in advancing national development priorities.
Questions on HCT Learning Model and Emiratisation
According to the session’s agenda, two ministerial questions will be raised.
The first will be directed to Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport and President of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), regarding the decision to convert certain courses from distance learning to in-person attendance. The inquiry will address the implications of this shift for educational quality and student experience.
The second question will be posed to Dr Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The focus will be on the Emiratisation of teaching positions in colleges and universities, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance national participation in the academic sector.
Health Insurance and Social Protection Review
The Council will also be notified of correspondence submitted to the Cabinet concerning government health insurance policies, as part of a broader review of social protection frameworks.
Family Protection and Teachers’ Quality of Life
In addition, members will debate committee reports on family protection — including its conceptual and structural foundations — and on the quality of life of teaching staff and its impact on educational outcomes.
The discussions are expected to highlight the close interconnection between social cohesion, educational excellence and sustainable national development, reinforcing the FNC’s oversight role in shaping policies that affect both institutions and society at large.
