U.A.E Government |
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General Information |
The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates:
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ra's al-Khaimah and Fujairah.
The federation was formally established on 2 December 1971.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as President on 3 November 2004, following the death of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who held the post from the foundation of the State on 2 December 1971 until his death on 2 November 2004.
The Supreme Council meets at five-year intervals to reaffirm the existing President or elect a new one.
The term of elected office for the Vice-President is also five years, and the post is presently held by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The federal system of government includes:
The Supreme Council is made up of the rulers of each emirate. Sometimes Crown Princes and deputy rulers attend, but they are not members of the Council. If a ruler does not attend, he can delegate his Crown Prince to take his seat. Crown Princes and deputy rulers who are at meetings when their ruler is there have no formal role in the Council.
The Council of Ministers or Cabinet - headed by the Prime Minister, is the executive authority for the federation.
The Federal National Council has both a legislative and supervisory role, and is a member of the International Parliamentary Union, as well as the Arab Parliamentary Union.
The Federal Judiciary includes the Supreme Court and the Courts of First Instance.
Each of the seven emirates has its own local government , the complexity of which differs according to the size and population of each emirate. Each follows a general pattern of municipalities and departments.
The relationship between the Federal and Local Governments is laid down in the Constitution, and allows for a degree of flexibility in the distribution of authority.
Traditional Government still plays an important part in the government of the UAE, with the institution of the majlis (or majalis) maintaining an essential role in ensuring that the people have free access to their rulers.
Foreign Policy in the UAE is affected by the federation's position as the holder of the third largest natural gas reserve in the world as well as it's command of the strategically important Straits of Hormuz.
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UAE Government |
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©2007 UAE Embassy In Washington DC
