Submitted 20th November 2005
Popularity 582
The Traditional Government is important in the government of the UAE, with the institution of the majlis maintaining an essential role in ensuring that the people have free access to their rulers.
The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The federation was formally established on 2 December 1971. The Supreme Council meets at five-year intervals to reaffirm the existing President or elect a new one.
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 is 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. 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.
Federal JudiciaryThe federal judiciary, whose total independence is guaranteed under the Constitution, includes the Federal Supreme Court and Courts of First Instance. The Federal Supreme Court consists of five judges appointed by the Supreme Council of Rulers.
Development AidThe United Arab Emirates has continued during 2004 to play an active role in the provision of external aid to developing countries and to be a major contributor of emergency relief to countries and areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Local GovernmentEach of the 7 emirates also has its own local government. Although all have expanded significantly as a result of the country`s growth over the last 33 years, these differ in size and complexity from emirate to emirate, depending on a variety of factors.
Traditional GovernmentTraditionally, the ruler of an emirate, the sheikh, was the leader of the most powerful, though not necessarily the most populous, tribe, while each individual tribe, and often its various sub-sections, also generally had a chief or sheikh.
Foreign PolicyTwo regional issues, of international significance, occupied the centre stage in terms of the UAE`s foreign affairs from mid-2003 until late 2004 - the evolving situation in Iraq and the continuing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
Federal National CouncilThe FNC plays an important role in serving the people and the nation and consolidating the principles of shura in the country. Presided over by a speaker, the FNC has both a legislative and supervisory role under the Constitution.
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