Exploring the UAE Constitution and

Understanding the System

Government in the UAE
Key Words
Every society has certain standards which ensure that its members’ actions do not
harm the society. There are
two types of standards: verbal and written standards. The verbal standards are not
written down but are taken for
granted and handed over from generation to generation, they are rules and values
of the society like customs and
traditions that people follow according to their culture. The written standards are
those written down and are hard
to change or amend as it requires strict measurements and procedures.
In the UAE, and in any state, the main set of rules is called the constitution. It
provides these rules that give rights
and duties to the citizens. And these rules are generally obeyed by everyone. A
constitution also outlines the values,
goals and aims of the country.

Examples of:
Verbal standards are: respect, generosity, hospitality, care, etc..
Written standards are: do not steal, do not kill, be honest, etc..
The objectives of the UAE constitution is to guide the governments of the seven
emirates when making decisions. Remember, the constitution should be the basis
of all government decisions. From the objectives, it’s clear that the leaders of the
emirates should work closely together to ensure cooperation among the seven
emirates. By being so closely united, the emirates can protect their citizens and
defend themselves against any external threats. The constitution helps leaders
find the delicate balance between respecting the independence of the individual
emirates and ensuring the collectivesecurity of the federation.
Explain how the UAE is a constitutional federation.

• The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation established in

December 1971.
• A federation is a political body consisting of a union of partially self-
governing states under a central government.

• The political system in the UAE is based on the Constitution which

demonstrates the main purpose of the establishment of the federation
and its objectives at the local and regional levels. It explains the main
rules of the political and constitutional organisation of the country. And
it guarantees all UAE citizens equal rights and opportunities, safety and
security, and social justice.

• The Constitution has 152 articles establishing the basis of the UAE and
the rights of citizens in 10 areas.
Here are some provisions regarding the federation, fundamental social and economic
basis of the federation, and some provisions regarding public freedom, rights and
duties:

• Article 1 of the Constitution provides that the United Arab Emirates is a federal,
independent and sovereign state consisting of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.
• Article 21 states that private property shall be protected.
• Article 24 provides that the basis of the national economy is social justice.
• Article 25 provides that all persons are equal before the law without discrimination
between the citizens in regard to race, nationality, religious belief or social status.
• Article 26 provides that personal liberty is guaranteed to all citizens.
• Article 28 provides that an accused shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty in
a legal and fair trial.
 The UAE’s foreign policy
The UAE seeks to reinforce its position and consolidate its values of respect and
appreciation with governments and
citizens across the world.
Parallel to its economic and military strength, the UAE’s long-term plan is to promote a
strong coherent international policy, build diplomatic relationships and introduce and
influence the UAE’s culture, values, history, knowledge and vision to all.

The following articles are part of the Constitution:

Article 2:
The Union shall exercise sovereignty in matters assigned to it in accordance with this
Constitution over all territory
and territorial waters lying within the international boundaries of the member Emirates.
Article 8:
The citizens of the UAE shall have a single nationality specified by law and shall
enjoy abroad the protection of the
Federal Government in accordance with the generally-accepted international
principles. No citizen of the Union may
be deprived of his nationality nor may his nationality be withdrawn except in
exceptional circumstances which shall
be defined by law.
Article 12:
The foreign policy of the UAE shall be directed towards supporting the Arab and
Islamic causes and interests
and towards establishing closer friendship and co-operation with all the nations
and peoples on the basis of the
principles of the charter of the United Nations Organization and international
ideals.
THANK YOU