DUBAI (AFP) -- Fired by a desire to help their compatriots in a country swamped by foreigners, columnist Maysa Ghadeer and educator Mona al-Jazeeri aspire to be among the first women elected to public office in the United Arab Emirates.

"My motto is simple: my homeland is between my heart and the palm of my hand -- the heart equals loyalty, and the palm means hard work," said Jazeeri, who manages a school in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah.

Jazeeri and Ghadeer are among 65 female candidates in indirect elections to the advisory Federal National Council, in which electoral colleges totaling around 6,600 people will pick half the council's 40 members in the UAE's seven emirates on December 16, 18 and 20.

The polls are the first of their kind in the oil-rich Persian Gulf country, and despite their limited nature -- electoral colleges have been chosen by the rulers and half the council will continue to be appointed -- both women believe they are a good start.

"My daily column about social issues made me relate to all segments of society. I felt I could make a difference... so my main motive in running for office is to serve society," said Ghadeer, who writes for the Dubai newspaper Al-Bayan.

Ghadeer, 31, began her career as a teacher in 1998 after graduating in Arabic studies because her parents objected to her studying journalism, but she eventually joined Al-Bayan after commenting on a column about women written by the newspaper's editor.

"It was just before Ramadan, and I received an offer to write 30 columns for a supplement that would be published daily" during the Muslim holy month, she said.

Ghadeer went on to write a weekly, then daily, column.

A twist of fate three years ago landed her in the executive office of Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and driving force behind the emirate's rapid transformation into a business and tourism hub.

Ghadeer approached the office to apply for a scholarship program for specialized studies, but was instead offered a job in the media department.

Ghadeer, who has since joined an affiliate of Dubai Holding, a government giant, as an assistant PR manager, said her divorce in 2004 was a painful experience which also made her feel she wanted to help others.

"It made me empathize with the suffering of others... and feel I want to help them not to suffer," said Ghadeer, the mother of a seven-year-old girl.

Jazeeri, 44, said her "love for learning" prompted her to pursue university studies and education diplomas even after she started teaching, got married and became pregnant.

"To be honest, my husband has supported me all along," said Jazeeri, who lived in Dubai until she moved to her native Ras al-Khaimah six years ago.

"I'm sociable by nature and I always took part in public activities," she said.

Ghadeer said her priority if she makes it into the FNC will be to try to "empower" UAE nationals.