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The UAE is a constitutional federation of seven states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. Together, they are called the Emirates. The political system of the UAE is two-fold and consists of the federal government for all of the seven emirates and a local government of each emirate.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT The federation was established in December 1971; however, Ras Al Khaimah did not join the union until February 1972. Abu Dhabi was chosen as the capital of the UAE and its ruler H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the first president. After his death in 2004, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, succeeded his father and became president. The highest federal authority is the Supreme Council of Rulers whose members are the rulers of the seven emirates. The second institution of the federal government is the Council of Ministers headed by the prime minister. Traditionally, the ruler of Dubai is appointed as prime minister and at the time of writing, the prime minister of the Emirates is H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Other bodies of the federal government include the Federal National Council (the country’s parliament with 40 members selected proportionally from each emirate) and the Supreme Court. Foreign affairs, security, education, public health, labour relations and currency are just a few examples of areas of responsibilities stated in the UAE Constitution and assigned to the federal authorities.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Apart from the federal government, each of the seven emirates has its own local government headed by its own ruling family. Each emirate’s government can pass laws relevant to that individual emirate. However, federal law is applicable to the UAE as a whole and overrides the provisions of local legislation. The local governments differ in size, structure and assembly depending on population, area and local economy. The local government of Ras Al Khaimah consists, among others, of a municipality, department of public works, water and electricity, finance, agriculture, labour, economy, and commerce departments.
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UAE Government:
UAE President: H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
UAE captial: Abu Dhabi
RAK e-government: www.rak.ae
RAK Ruler: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi
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