FEDERAL SYSTEM IN THE UAE

Federation Objectives
The Federation aims to maintain its independence and sovereignty, safeguard its security and stability, defend its existence or the existence of its member emirates from any act of aggression, and protect the rights and responsibilities of the people of the Federation.

The Federal Authorities in the UAE

Federal Supreme Council
President and Vice President
The Cabinet
Federal National Council
Federal Judicial Authority

Responsibilities of Federal Supreme Council
The Federal Supreme Council performs the responsibilities outlined below:

Formulating the general policy on all matters concerning the Federation under the Constitution, and considering all matters that could lead to the achievement of the objectives of the Federation and the common interests of the member emirates.

Endorsing the various Federal laws prior to their issuance, including laws of the annual general budget of the Federation and the closing accounts.
Sanctioning the decrees on matters that by virtue of the provisions of the Constitution are subject to the ratification and approval of the Federal Supreme Council.

Ratification of treaties and international agreements through decrees

Approving the appointment of the Prime Minister of the Federation, accepting his resignation, and requesting him to resign upon the suggestion of the President of the Federation.

Any other relevant responsibilities stipulated in the Constitution or in the federal laws.

Resolutions of the Federal Supreme Council on substantive matters are made by a majority of five of its members provided that such majority includes the vote of the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
However, resolutions of the Council on procedural matters shall be issued by a majority vote. Such matters are defined in the by-laws of the Council.

The Cabinet

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates is the Executive Branch of the federation, handling the execution of all internal and external affairs related to the federation as
per the UAE Constitution and the federal laws, under the supervision of the President and the Federal Supreme Council.
The Cabinet, consists of the Prime Minister, two deputy prime ministers, the ministers of the UAE, and an active General Secretariat.
The Prime Minister calls for convening of the Cabinet, administers its discussions,
and monitors the activities of ministers.The Prime Minister presides over the Cabinet Sessions

The Federal National Council (FNC) is the consultative council, the parliamentary body of the UAE. It has 40 members.
The number of seats assigned to each emirate is
proportionate to its population as follows:
Abu Dhabi – 8 seats
Dubai – 8 seats
Sharjah – 6 seats
Ajman – 4 seats
Umm Al Quwain – 4 seats
Ras Al Khaimah – 6 seats
Fujairah – 4 seats

Responsibilities of Federal National Council
• passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws
including financial bills
• examining the Annual General Budget draft law and
the draft law of the final accounts
• discussing international treaties and agreements
• discussing general subject pertaining to the affairs
of the Federation and offering recommendations

Federal Judicial Authority

The Federal Judiciary is one of the five federal authorities of the UAE Government. It includes Federal Supreme Court, Federal courts and Public Prosecution.
It is presided by the Federal Supreme Court as the highest judicial authority in the UAE.

The independence of the Emirati judiciary supports the country’s stability and wellbeing.

The UAE judiciary is entirely independent and judges are subject to no authority other than the rule of law and their conscience.