General Information » Economy » Government & Ruling Family

The Supreme Council of Rulers, the highest authority in the UAE, comprises the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates. Since the emirates are governed by hereditary rule, there is little distinction between the royal families and the government. The Supreme Council is responsible for general policy matters involving education, defence, foreign affairs, communications and development, and for ratifying federal laws. The Council meets four times a year and the Abu Dhabi and Dubai rulers have effective power of veto over decisions. Whilst non-democratic, there is little indication of dissatisfaction with the system, amongst UAE Nationals.

The seven members of the Supreme Council elect the chief of state (the President) from among its members. The President of the UAE is His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He was elected to the position on the death of his father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had been President since independence on 2nd December, 1971, and ruler of Abu Dhabi since 6 August, 1966. The Supreme Council also elects the Vice President, currently HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. The President and Vice President are elected and appointed for five year terms; there is no limit to the number of terms that they may serve and, as was the case with HH Sheikh Zayed, can re-elected time after time. The President appoints the Prime Minister (currently HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum) and the Deputy Prime Minister (HH Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan).

The government is divided into departments, along the lines of other developed nations and, in a boost to the status of women in the region, the first female minister was appointed in November 2004; Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi (a member of the Sharjah royal family) is Minster for Economy and Planning.

The Federal Council of Ministers is responsible to the Supreme Council. The 40 member consultative assmebly (appointed for two year tems, by the individual emirates), has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The council monitors and debates government policies, but has no power of veto.

The individual emirates still have a degree of autonomy, and laws that affect everyday life vary between the emirates; for example, all emirates have a separate police force, with different uniforms and cars; also, it is possible to buy alcohol in Abu Dhabi, but not in Sharjah. Abu Dhabi has always been the most powerful of the emirates, due to its wealth and size, and has consistently been in favour of increasing the strength of the federation. ...