General Information » Economy » Government & Ruling Family

The Supreme Council of Rulers is the highest authority in the UAE, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates. Since the country is 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. While this system is non-democratic, there is little indication that UAE nationals wish for any change.

The seven members of the Supreme Council elect the chief of state (the President) from among its members.

The current President is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He took over the post in November 2004 from his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The Supreme Council also elects the Vice President of the UAE, currently HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. The President and Vice President are elected and appointed for five-year terms, although, as was the case with Sheikh Zayed, are often re-elected time after time. The President appoints the Prime Minister (currently HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum) and the Deputy Prime Minister (currently Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan).

The emirate of Dubai is currently governed by Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his two brothers Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince and Minister of Defence who is considered the driving force behind Dubai’s exponential growth, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Minister of Finance.

The Federal Council of Ministers reports to the Supreme Council. It has executive authority to initiate and implement laws and is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. 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 instance, if you buy a car in one emirate and need to register it in a different emirate, you will first have to export and then re-import it. All emirates have a separate police force, with different uniforms and cars.