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UAE Constitution Arts. 46–95 Verified

UAE Federal Government Structure Guide

Comprehensive breakdown of the UAE's 4 constitutional federal institutions — the Supreme Council, President, Council of Ministers, and Federal National Council.

UAE's Federal System of Government

Established by the UAE Constitution (1971, permanent 1996), the UAE operates as a federal state comprising 7 emirates with a constitutional monarchy system. Federal institutions — defined in Chapters IV through VIII of the Constitution — share legislative, executive, and judicial powers with individual emirate governments.

For constitutional articles, see our UAE Constitution Articles Guide and elections under FNC Elections Guide.

Interlinked Portals

📜 Constitution Articles →⚖️ Supreme Court →🛡️ Fundamental Rights →
Arts. 46–52

Supreme Council of the Union (SCU)

The highest federal authority of the UAE. Composed of the 7 Rulers of the Emirates. Formulates general policy and ratifies federal laws and decrees.

Composition:
  • 👤 HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) — President
  • 👤 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Dubai) — Vice President & PM
  • 👤 HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (Sharjah)
  • 👤 HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi (Ajman)
  • 👤 HH Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla (Umm Al Quwain)
  • 👤 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi (Ras Al Khaimah)
  • 👤 HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (Fujairah)
Constitutional Powers:

Ratifies federal laws, declares war and peace, approves draft laws, appoints the PM on nomination of President.

Frequently Asked Questions (UAE Government Structure)

The UAE federal government consists of the Supreme Council of the Union (SCU), President and Vice President, Council of Ministers (Cabinet), Federal National Council (FNC), and the Federal Supreme Court.

The UAE President is elected by the Supreme Council of the Union from among its 7 members (rulers of the Emirates) for renewable 5-year terms per Articles 51–61 of the Constitution.

The FNC has 40 seats. Abu Dhabi and Dubai each hold 8 seats, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah hold 6 seats each, and Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain hold 4 seats each per Article 69 of the Constitution.

Federal laws apply uniformly across all 7 emirates. Emirate laws apply within a single emirate's jurisdiction. In matters where federal law exists, it supersedes emirate legislation per Article 151 of the Constitution.
UAE Government Portals Verified

• UAE Federal National Council (FNC): fnc.gov.ae
• UAE Cabinet (Council of Ministers Portal): uaecabinet.ae
• UAE Government Official Portal: government.ae