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

The President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.

The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.

While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai.


Economic Policy

In matters unrelated to diplomacy and defence, each emirate enjoys considerable autonomy in managing its own affairs. In business, the government of Dubai is committed to liberal, free market policies and to the creation of a business environment conducive to commercial activity. This approach is well illustrated by the incentives available to investors in the Jebel Ali and Airport Free Zones and by the continuing high level of public sector investment in the infrastructure.


International Relations

The UAE became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. It is a member of the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), World Trade Organisation and other international and Arab organisations, including the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC), whose other members are Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. In its foreign relations, the UAE's stance is one of non-alignment but it is committed to the support of Arab unity.


The Legal System

The UAE legal system is essentially a civil law jurisdiction influenced by Islamic, Roman and French law, and most recently by principles of Egyptian law. The visible and increasing presence of international law firms in Dubai has led to the application of Common law principles in commercial contracts. However, common law principles of precedence are not recognized in the legal system.

Laws are issued in the following ways. First consideration is given to federal law, if no solution is provided then to the provisions of Dubai's relevant laws, if still no solution was found, then Sharia law is applied. Though in normal cases only inheritance and family issues are subject to Sharia.

It should be noted that Dubai is not part of the Federal judicial system; therefore, it is not subject to the Federal Supreme Court.

Special laws are also issued for free zones in Dubai.

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