At a Glance:

Government Website

Year became a federation: 1971

Current constitution in force since: 1971 (revised 1996)

Constituent units: 7 Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al Qaiwain, Ra's al Khaymah.)

Head of State: President

Head of Government: President

Legislature: Federal National Council

Laws and Legislation

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United Arab Emirates

Federalism in the United Arab Emirates

Although the UAE is a decentralized federation in practice, this decentralization has not negatively affected the country which has enjoyed a significant degree of stability since independence.

In 2006, as a first step toward government reform, the first election was held for half of the advisory Federal National Council. The UAE government has indicated support for stronger legal and legislative authority for the Council.

Arab tribes faced challenges starting in the 16th century from European countries competing for trade. Beginning with the 1820 General Treaty of Peace, the British signed agreements with rulers (sheiks) aimed at guaranteeing peace and ending piracy. In 1952, seven sheikdoms formed the Trucial States Council, a discussion and coordination forum. In 1971, after efforts to join with Bahrain and Qatar broke down, the UAE became independent. Six sheikdoms formed the UAE in 1971 while the seventh joined in 1972. Further centralization occurred in 1976 when the federal government attained control over such areas as immigration, public security and border control.

The constitution, which mixes aspects of traditional and modern rule, represents a compromise between emirates favouring centralization and those preferring autonomy. Despite an apparently broad array of federal powers, the constitution provides for a loosely bound federation in practice.

• UAE Country Profile by Julie M. Simmons