GOVERMENT
Administratively,
the UAE is a loose federation of seven emirates, each with its
own ruler. The pace at which local government in each emirate
evolves from traditional to modern is set primarily by the ruler.
Under the provisional constitution of 1971, each emirate reserves
considerable powers, including control over mineral rights (notably
oil) and revenues. In this milieu, federal powers have developed
slowly. The constitution established the positions of president
(chief of state) and vice president, each serving 5-year terms;
a Council of Ministers (cabinet), led by a prime minister (head
of government); a supreme council of rulers; and a 40-member
National Assembly, a consultative body whose members are appointed
by the emirate rulers. President Shaikh Zayyed bin Sultan Al
Nahyyan has been president of the UAE since it was founded.
Government
Type: Federation of emirates.
Independence: December 2, 1971.
Provisional constitution: December 2, 1971.
Branches: Executive--7-member Supreme Council of Rulers,
which elects president and vice president. Legislative--40-member
Federal National Council (consultative only). Judicial--Islamic
and secular courts.
Administrative Subdivisions: Seven largely self-governing
city-states.
Political parties: None.
Suffrage: None.
Central government budget (2000): $6.5 billion.
Flag: A vertical red stripe on the staff side and three
horizontal stripes--green, white, and black from top to bottom--on
the right.