Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
The Federal National Council (FNC), chaired by Saqr Ghobash, adopted several key recommendations during its 10th session of the second ordinary term of the 18th legislative chapter, held on Wednesday at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The discussions focused on the government’s policy regarding the management and sustainability of waqf (endowment) and Zakat funds, and their role in enhancing societal welfare.
FNC also addressed four questions to government representatives.
The discussion was organised around two core themes: the sustainability of Zakat funds to improve quality of life, and the management and investment of Waqf assets.
The session was attended by the Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, along with the Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat, Dr. Omar bin Habtoor Al Darei.
Among its key recommendations, the Council emphasised the importance of diversifying the mechanisms for distributing Zakat funds.
It proposed adopting innovative, non-traditional methods such as training zakat recipients who are able to work, equipping them with necessary skills, and providing them with suitable job opportunities, particularly through support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Council also called for the standardisation of waqf procedures and criteria, especially regarding mosque construction nationwide, to enhance the management and long-term sustainability of the endowment system.
It also recommended creating a comprehensive geographic map for the distribution of Waqf resources and expanding investment domains for endowments in order to secure their sustainability and contribute to social development and family stability.
