The Government

The Supreme Council of the U.A.E, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is the highest federal authority. It is responsible for ratifying of federal laws and general policy matters involving communications, education, defense, foreign affairs and development.

The President, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice- President,

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, have been elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.

The U.A.E has a Federal National Council (FNC) consisting of forty members who come from each of the seven emirates. The number of councilors from each emirate is proportionate to its population. The FNC plays a consultative role in the government of the U.A.E.

The Federal Judiciary is an independent body. It consists of the Federal Supreme Court (five judges appointed by the Supreme Council) and the Courts of First Instance.