Wednesday, Dec 09, 2009
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi Misusing the UAE's emblem will carry a year in jail and a fine of not more than Dh100,000, according to a draft law approved yesterday by the Federal National Council.
Under the draft law, the state emblem will not be used for industrial, commercial or personal purposes unless a pre-approval is obtained from the President of the State.
The emblem of the country was first officially adopted in 1973. It is similar to the coats of arms of other Arab states. It consists of a golden falcon, unlike other Arab countries which use the hawk emblem. The falcon had a red disk which previously showed an Arabian sailboat in its interior. The disk is surrounded by a chain. The falcon holds with its talons a red parchment bearing the name of the federation.
Last year, the emblem was modified by a Cabinet decree. The main change was that the Arab sailboat was replaced by the UAE flag and seven stars representing the seven Emirates of the federation.
The proponents demanded that the law be enforced three months after being approved by the government and published in the official gazette,.
However, some FNC members called the draft law unconstitutional.
"How can the Cabinet issues a decree that breaks the Constitution because it changed a law without following the legal procedures?" asked Dr Abdullah Rahim Al Shaheen, an FNC member from Ras Al Khaimah.
Ahmad Al Khatiri, also from Ras Al Khaimah, also asked how can the government demand people to respect an emblem, which it failed to respect itself.
"The government adopted an emblem which is not covered by a law."
Other members said certain governmental institutions are still adopting the old emblem while others are using the new emblem.
National anthem
They suggested the emblem has to go with a national anthem.
The UAE has never officially approved a national anthem and the debate on the lyrics reached the Council last July, when Sultan Saqr Al Suwaidi, a Dubai member of the FNC, questioned the Minister of Culture on the anthem's status. He said authorities should approve the current lyrics to go with the official anthem or change them.
By Samir Salama
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
