What Influence Do Advisory Assemblies Have? A Print Media Analysis of the UAE’s Federal National Council, 2011–15

Abstract

Where does the UAE’s Federal National Council fit in the scholarship on comparative legislative studies? Is it a “transformative” and “active” assembly (i.e. it makes legislation and policy) or is it an “arena” and “reactive” assembly (i.e. it focuses on public debate and policy influence)? Constitutionally, the FNC is portrayed as one of the Arabian Gulf region’s weaker assemblies. This article challenges that assumption. An analysis of the FNC’s media coverage in two newspapers in 2011–15 shows that its members’ actions resulted in the body acquiring a more expansive role. Members went beyond their formal revising powers of bills to propose legislation and funding and challenge ministers. The analysis also identifies members’ subject priorities (i.e. the economy and social security) and backgrounds, including more media attention accorded to members from smaller/poorer emirates (i.e. not Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and little difference between those who were elected and appointed.