UAE Electoral System Framework
Established under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2023 (UAE Electoral College Law), UAE citizens participate in a hybrid electoral system where 20 of the 40 FNC seats are filled through direct elections by a national electoral college, while the remaining 20 are appointed by individual emirate rulers.
For federal government structure, see our Federal Government Structure Guide and constitutional framework under UAE Constitution Articles Guide.
Seat Allocation by Emirate
| Abu Dhabi: | 8 seats |
| Dubai: | 8 seats |
| Sharjah: | 6 seats |
| Ras Al Khaimah: | 6 seats |
| Ajman: | 4 seats |
| Fujairah: | 4 seats |
| Umm Al Quwain: | 4 seats |
2023 FNC Election — Results
| Election Date: | October 7, 2023 |
| Eligible Voters: | 988,474 |
| Votes Cast: | 237,963 |
| Turnout: | 24.07% |
| Seats Contested: | 20 Elected Seats |
| Women Elected: | 9 out of 20 (45%) |
Key Outcome: UAE citizens voted to elect 20 FNC members; 20 remaining members were appointed by emirate rulers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FNC Elections)
20 of 40 FNC members are elected by an electoral college of UAE citizens. The remaining 20 are appointed by the rulers of each emirate in proportion to their allocated seat quota.
UAE nationals who are 18 years or older and registered in the National Election Committee (NEC) electoral college are eligible to vote. Expatriates cannot vote in FNC elections.
FNC elections are held every 4 years per constitutional provisions. The FNC serves as a consultative body and reviews federal legislation proposed by the Council of Ministers.
A minimum quota of 50% women representation is mandated in the FNC. In the 2023 elections, 9 out of 20 elected members (45%) were women. See our Federal Government Structure Guide.
UAE NEC Verified
• UAE National Election Committee (NEC): fnc.gov.ae
• UAE Government Official Portal: government.ae