United Arab Emirates

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.
A citizen’s nationality may not be divested or withdrawn except as may be provided in law. (Art. 8)

The UAE has exclusive legislative and executive jurisdiction in the following matters:
…
16. The federal nationality, … (Art. 120)

The Federal Supreme Court has the following powers:
1. Decide on different disputes among the member Emirates of the UAE, or between any one or more Emirates and the federal government in case that the dispute is remitted to the Court upon the request of any of the concerned parties.
2. Consider the constitutionality of a federal law if it is challenged by one or more Emirates on the grounds that it is in conflict with the Constitution of the UAE. The Court also has the power to consider the constitutionality of a legislation enacted by an Emirate if it is challenged by a federal authority on the grounds that it is in conflict with the Constitution of the UAE or the federal laws.
3. Consider the constitutionality of laws, legislations and regulations in general if it is so requested by any court in the country while hearing a relevant case. The concerned court shall comply with the decision of the Federal Supreme Court rendered in this connection.
4. Interpret the provisions of the Constitution, if it is so requested by any federal authority or by the Government of any Emirate. Any such interpretation is binding on everyone.
5. Call into account the ministers and senior officials of the UAE appointed by decree for their actions while performing their official duties upon the request of the Supreme Council and in accordance with the relevant law.
6. Decide on the crimes which directly affect the interests of the UAE, such as the crimes relating to the UAE’s internal or external security, forgery of the official records or seals of a federal authority, and counterfeiting of currency.
7. Hear the cases of conflict of jurisdiction between a federal court and a local court in an Emirate.
8. Hear the cases of conflict of jurisdiction between a court in an Emirate and a court in another Emirate. The rules governing these cases are regulated by a federal law.
9. Any other powers provided in the Constitution or which may be conferred upon the Federal Supreme Court by a federal law. (Art. 99)

Education is a fundamental factor for the progress of the society. Education is mandatory in its primary stage and is free of charge at all stages in the UAE. The law lays down the necessary plans for disseminating and spreading everywhere all levels of education and for eradicating illiteracy. (Art. 17)

The UAE has exclusive legislative and executive jurisdiction in the following matters:
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11. Education.
… (Art. 120)

The community shall esteem work as a cornerstone of its development. The community shall provide jobs to the citizens, qualify them for those jobs, and create the suitable conditions for service by enacting legislation protecting the rights of the employees and the interests of the employers in the light of the advanced international labor legislation. (Art. 20)

A citizen is free to choose his work, profession or trade as provided in law and subject to the governing legislation. … (Art. 34)

Without prejudice to the provisions of the preceding Article, the UAE has exclusive legislative jurisdiction in the following matters:
- Labor relations and social security;
… (Art. 121)

Equality, social justice, and providing safety, security, and equal opportunities to all the citizens are pillars on which the community is grounded. … (Art. 14)

All persons are equal in law. There shall be no distinction among the citizens of the UAE on the basis of race, nationality, faith or social status. (Art. 25)

The objectives of the UAE are as follows:
...
- Protect the rights and freedoms of the people of the UAE.
... (Art. 10)

A person has the right to file a complaint with a competent authority, including a judicial entity, against the violation of the rights and freedoms stated in this Part.³ (Art. 41)

Under no circumstances, may any of the provisions of this Constitution be suspended, except when martial law is in force and within the limits specified by the rules regulating martial law. … (Art. 145)

The family is the cornerstone of the community. The fundamental principles on which the family is based are, religion, ethics and patriotism. The law safeguards the family’s existence and maintains and protects it from corruption. (Art. 15)

The community shall care for children and mothers, and protect minors and others who are unable to look after themselves for any reason, such as illness or incapacity or old age or forced unemployment, assist and rehabilitate them for their own interest and for the interest of the community. Welfare and social security laws regulate these matters. (Art. 16)

The door for holding a public office is open to all citizens on the basis of equal conditions and in accordance with the provisions of the law. … (Art. 35)

Freedom of assembly and establishing associations is guaranteed as provided in law. (Art. 33)

The door for holding a public office is open to all citizens on the basis of equal conditions and in accordance with the provisions of the law. … (Art. 35)

The federal authorities consist of the following:
1. The Federal Supreme Council.
2. The UAE President and Vice President.
… (Art. 45)

The Federal Supreme Council is the highest authority in the UAE. The Federal Supreme Council consists of the Rulers of all the member Emirates of the UAE; … (Art. 46)

The Federal Supreme Council elects from among its members a President and a Vice President. … (Art. 51)

The federal authorities consist of the following:
1. The Federal Supreme Council.
2. The UAE President and Vice President.
… (Art. 45)

The Federal Supreme Council elects from among its members a President and a Vice President. The Vice President exercises all the powers of the President in the event of the President’s absence for any reason. (Art. 51)

The federal authorities consist of the following:
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3. The Federal Council of Ministers.
… (Art. 45)

The Federal Supreme Council has the following powers:
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5. Upon a proposal by the President of the UAE, approve the appointment of the Prime Minister of the UAE, accept his resignation, and remove him from office.
… (Art. 47)

The Federal Council of Ministers consists of the Prime Minister, his deputies and a number of ministers. (Art. 55)

For a person to be a minister that person must be a citizen of the UAE known for his competence and experience. (Art. 56)

The federal authorities consist of the following:
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4. The Federal National Council.
… (Art. 45)

The Federal National Council (FNC) consists of forty members. The seats of the FNC are distributed to the member Emirates as follows:
• Abu Dhabi - 8 seats
• Dubai - 8 seats
• Sharjah - 6 seats
• Ras AI Khaimah - 6 seats
• Ajman - 4 seats
• Umm AI Quwain - 4 seats
• Fujairah - 4 seats (Art. 68)

An Emirate is free to determine the method of selection of its representatives in the FNC. (Art. 69)

For a person to be a member of the FNC, that person must:
1. Be a citizen of an Emirate of the UAE, and resides permanently in the Emirate which that person represents in the FNC.
2. Be, when selected, not less than twenty-five years of age according to Gregorian calendar.
3. Has civil capacity, is known for good manners and reputation, and has not previously been convicted of an offence against honor unless he has been rehabilitated in accordance with the law.
4. Has adequate knowledge of reading and writing. (Art. 70)

Private property is protected and the restrictions against it shall be specified by law. … (Art. 21)

Without prejudice to the provisions of the preceding Article, the UAE has exclusive legislative jurisdiction in the following matters:
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• Ownership of real properties … (Art. 121)

Equality, social justice, and providing safety, security, and equal opportunities to all the citizens are pillars on which the community is grounded. … (Art. 14)

… A person may not be subjected to torture or to degrading treatment. (Art. 26)

… A person may not be subjected to forced labor except in such cases as may be provided in law and provided that such person is compensated for such labor.
A person may not be enslaved. (Art. 34)

The community shall care for children and mothers, and protect minors and others who are unable to look after themselves for any reason, such as illness or incapacity or old age or forced unemployment, assist and rehabilitate them for their own interest and for the interest of the community. Welfare and social security laws regulate these matters. (Art. 16)

Respect of the Constitution and the laws and of the orders issued by the public authorities in execution thereof, compliance with the public order, and respect of public morality are duties incumbent upon all the people living in the UAE. (Art. 44)

Nothing in the application of this Constitution shall affect treaties or agreements concluded by member Emirates with states or international organizations unless such treaties or agreements are amended or abrogated by agreement between the parties concerned. (Art. 147)

All matters established by laws, regulations, decrees, orders and decisions in the various member Emirates of the UAE in effect upon the coming into force of this Constitution, shall continue to be applicable unless amended or replaced in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
Similarly, the measures and organizations existing in the member Emirates shall continue to be effective until the promulgation of laws amending them in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. (Art. 148)

The federal authorities shall strive to issue the laws referred to in this Constitution as quickly as possible so as to replace the existing legislations and systems, particularly those which are not consistent with the provisions of the Constitution. (Art. 150)

The provisions of this Constitution shall prevail over the Constitutions of the member Emirates of the UAE and the federal laws which are issued in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution shall have priority over the legislations, regulations and decisions issued by the authorities of the Emirates.
In case of conflict, that part of the inferior legislation which is inconsistent with the superior legislation shall be rendered null and void to the extent that removes the inconsistency. In case of dispute, the matter shall be referred to the Federal Supreme Court for its ruling. (Art. 151)

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. (Art. 12)

The community shall esteem work as a cornerstone of its development. The community shall provide jobs to the citizens, qualify them for those jobs, and create the suitable conditions for service by enacting legislation protecting the rights of the employees and the interests of the employers in the light of the advanced international labor legislation. (Art. 20)

The Governments of the Emirates shall take the appropriate measures to implement the federal laws and the international treaties and conventions concluded by the UAE including the enactment of the local laws, regulations, decisions and orders necessary for such implementation. … (Art. 125)

Nothing in the application of this Constitution shall affect treaties or agreements concluded by member Emirates with states or international organizations unless such treaties or agreements are amended or abrogated by agreement between the parties concerned. (Art. 147)

WE, the Rulers of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Um AI Quwain and Fujairah, …
Announce to Allah, the Supreme and Almighty, and to all the people our approval of the Constitution undersigned by us.
May Allah, the best Protector and Defender, grant us success. (Preamble)

Islam is the official religion of the UAE. The Islamic Shari’a is a main source of legislation in the UAE. … (Art. 7)