Basic System of Government in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, each governed by its own ruler, forming a federal constitutional monarchy. The President of the UAE serves as the Head of State, while the Vice President and Council of Ministers (Cabinet) exercise executive authority at the federal level. Legislative authority is shared between the Federal National Council (FNC) and the Cabinet, and the judiciary functions independently under federal law.
The UAE political system blends traditional monarchical governance with modern constitutional principles, emphasizing consultation (shura), federalism, and separation of powers.
The President
The President of the UAE is the supreme federal authority and symbolizes national unity. He represents the UAE internationally, ratifies treaties, and oversees federal defense and security matters. Traditionally, the President is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, reflecting the emirate’s historic and economic prominence.
Requirements to Hold Office
The President must be an Emirati citizen and a hereditary ruler of one of the seven emirates. The President is elected by the Supreme Council of Rulers, consisting of the seven emirate rulers, for a renewable five-year term.
Powers of the President
The Constitution of the UAE grants the President authority to:
Appoint the Vice President and Prime Minister and approve the Cabinet formation.
Ratify federal laws passed by the Federal National Council.
Represent the UAE in international relations and sign treaties.
Command the Armed Forces as Supreme Commander.
Issue decrees with the force of law in certain circumstances.
Grant pardons and commute sentences.
The Council of Ministers (Cabinet)
The UAE Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, serves as the federal executive authority. It is responsible for implementing federal laws, developing national policies, and coordinating across ministries. The Cabinet includes ministers responsible for portfolios such as foreign affairs, finance, energy, health, education, interior, and infrastructure.
The Federal National Council (FNC)
The FNC is a consultative federal legislative body with 40 members representing the seven emirates. Half of the members are appointed by the rulers of each emirate, while the other half are selected through an electoral process. Members serve a four-year term.
The FNC reviews federal laws, budgets, and policies, provides recommendations, and engages in dialogue with the Cabinet to enhance government accountability. Although it cannot legislate independently, it plays a key advisory role in shaping national policy.
Ministries
The UAE federal government comprises several ministries responsible for executing national policies and public administration. Key ministries include:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Ministry of Defense
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Health and Prevention
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Ministry of Economy
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence
Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Ministry of Culture
Supreme Council of Rulers
The Supreme Council of Rulers is composed of the seven emirate rulers and serves as the highest constitutional authority in the UAE. It elects the President and Vice President, approves federal policies, and ensures cooperation among emirates within the federation.
Sources:
Constitution of the United Arab Emirates, 1971