Abu Dhabi, Nov 29th, 2008 Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair underscored the importance of the role the local media plays in keeping a close watch on the general state of affairs in the country. He also commented on the media interest in the FNC activities, saying that it emanates from the social responsibility of the press.

Al Ghurair welcomed the constructive criticism of the functioning of FNC by the media, and said that those criticisms will fortify the legislative and supervisory roles the FNC assumes.

Abu Dhabi, Nov 29th, 2008 : A pavilion like no other, is how the imaginative and appealing structure for the United Arab Emirates' pavilion was described by HE Saqr Gobash, UAE Minister of Labour and Chairman of the National Media Council (NMC), at the official launch of the country's participation at Expo 2010 - the largest ever World Exposition event, scheduled to open on May 1st 2010 in Shanghai.

Dhabi, Nov 29th, 2008 : On 2nd December, the world's largest and record breaking Fireworks Display will light up Abu Dhabi's night sky, thanks to a line up of events organised by the Emirates Palace to celebrate the 37th National Day of UAE.

The fireworks will begin at 08.30pm lasting for 45 minutes, and will be visible along the Abu Dhabi Corniche and across the Emirates Palace Marina, said a statement from the Emirates Palace.

The hotel also announced a breathtaking colourful line up of entertaining cultural, musical and artistic events in celebration of the UAE's 37th National Day.

Abu Dhabi, Nov 27th, 2008 : The UAE-China Joint Economic Committee opened its fifth round of talks in Abu Dhabi today with high ranking officials from both side attending the meeting.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi led the UAE side while Vice Minister of Commerce of China (PRC) Dr. Gao Hucheng led the Chinese side at the talks.

Dhabi, Nov. 27th, 2008 --UAE Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued instructions to the UAE Embassy in Bangkok to take immediate procedures to protect the UAE nationals in Thai capital Bangkok.

An official source at the ministry said Sheikh Abdullah has issued directives to the embassy to provide appropriate accommodation and other material assistance to those in need, as well as facilitate their return home.

Jeddah/Abu Dhabi  - The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Thursday condemned the