WOODLEM PARK SCHOOL, HAMIDIYA
UNIT-1 L-1 Majilis-The Traditional means of Consultation
Learning Objectives:
• Discuss the ways and the extent to which the UAE’s traditional political
heritage based on consensus continues to be part of the modern state.
Fill in the blanks:
1.Arish is a house that Emirati people lived in summer.
2. The majilis is at the heart of Arabic culture.emirates.
3.UNESCO described majilis as “open to all people”.
4.Shura is aprocess of making decisions.
5.Consultation has always been the part of political life of emirates.
Answers the following:
1. What does the word Bedoulin mean?
=Bedouin from the Arabic word ‘bedu’ means ‘desert dweller’.
2. Who were the Nomads?
=A nomadic people, who travelled through the Arabian desert, they learned
to adapt to their harsh surroundings.
3. Why do you think the Bedouins dressed in such a way?
=Protect them from sunlight and sand
4. Why did the Bedouins move after four or five months in one location?
They needed more grazing or water
5. What work are the men doing?
Herding , hunting
6. What work are the women doing?
Cooking, weaving, caring for family
7. What is the significance of a majlis in Emirati culture?
=The majlis is a traditional gathering place where people come together to
communicate, share knowledge, and discuss important matters. It has been
a vital part of Arabian culture, fostering open communication, sharing of
ideas, and preserving cultural traditions through poetry and storytelling.
8. How did Sheikh Zayed use the majlis to build unity and cohesion among
his people?
=Sheikh Zayed valued the majlis as a way to build harmony and solidarity
among his people. He regularly attended his majlis to listen to the concerns
of the citizens, encouraging an open exchange of ideas. This approach
helped him create a sense of unity and mutual respect within the
community
9. What is the Federal National Council (FNC), and when was its first
session held?
=The Federal National Council (FNC) is a consultative council established
by Sheikh Zayed as part of the new federal system in the UAE. Its first
session was convened on February 13, 1972, marking an important step in
the UAE’s governance, with rulers from each emirate and cabinet members
in attendance
10.How did Sheikh Zayed ensure open communication within the FNC?
=Sheikh Zayed encouraged FNC members to speak freely and honestly
about the needs of the citizens. His approach allowed for open discussion,
where all opinions could be shared and respected, embodying his vision of
democracy through consultation.
11.How does the principle of consultation in the majlis tradition appear in
the UAE Constitution?
=The UAE Constitution incorporates the majlis tradition’s consultative
principle by requiring federal draft laws to be reviewed by the FNC before
implementation. This ensures that the council represents the people’s needs
and opinions in governance decisions
12. What makes the UAE’s Federal National Council unique compared to
other governance systems?
=The FNC is unique as it combines both appointed and elected members,
with half of its 40 members elected by Emirati citizens and the other half
appointed by each emirate’s ruler. This structure reflects the UAE’s blend of
traditional and modern governance.
13. Who was the first female president and chairperson of the FNC?
=The first female president and chairperson of the FNC was Dr. Amal Al
Qubaisi, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s progress toward gender
inclusivity in governance.
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