Emarat Al Motahid Al-Arabiya (known as the United Arab Emirates or UAE in English) is situated on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf. The country's land neighbours are Oman and Saudi Arabia, plus the waters of the strategically important Persian Gulf. UAE gained its independence from the UK in 1971 and since then has progressed to become one of the most economically advanced countries of the Middle East. The name Motahid from the Arabic word Itihad, meaning United signifies a very important characteristic of the country's political DNA. This is because the country is made of the united federation of 7 emirates which are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaima, Ajman, Umm Al-Qwuain, and Fujairah.

Not since the United Arab Republic (comprising of Egypt and Syria) which was formed in 1958 and disbanded in 1961 has there been any other federation of Arab Emirates or states which have managed to form and sustain a united federation such as that of the UAE.

Positions of Political Authority

Federal Supreme Council

UAE's supreme political authority is the Federate Supreme Council (FSC) which comprises of a leader from each of the 7 emirates in the country. The Amirs who are members of the FSC are chosen through a hereditary system. One of the important tasks of the FSC is to choose a president and a vice president, and subsequently the president chooses the country's prime minister and his deputy. The FSC meets four times a year and its tasks are: establishment of general policies and sanctioning of federal legislation.

Veto power in the FSC is held by members from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The current UAE President is Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The former ruler of Abu Dhabi, he was elected as the new President of the United Arab Emirates on 3rd November 2004 to succeed his father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.The phnomeninal economic progress seen in UAE for the last 20 years has been attributed to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's successful economic and social plans . Accoding to reports the new leader of UAE Sheikh Khalifa has committed himself to continue in the footsteps of his late father.

Last election by the FSC was held held on 2 December 2001, next election will be held in 2006, month and day to be determined.

Federal National Council

The President is also responsible for establishment and management of the Al-Majlis Al-Watani Al-Itihad (Federal National Council - FNC). The first FNC was set up in 1972, one year after UAE's independence from the UK. The FNC comprises of 40 members. Each member is chosen for two year periods by the Amirs who preside in the Federal Supreme Council. The task of the FNC is an advisory one, thus it reviews and consults laws and decrees before they are sent to the FSC. The FNC does not have the right to change or veto.

Seats in the FNC are appointed according to the following geographical structure: Abu Dhabi and Dubai each appoint eight members, Sharjah and Ras Al-Khaima each appoint six members, and Ajman, Umm Al-Qwuain, and Fujairah each appoint four members.

Political Parties

There are no political parties in UAE. There are no plans by the UAE government to introduce a democratic election system.

By: Meir Javedanfar- www.meepas.com

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