United Arab Emirates

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:
…
3. The Federal Council of Ministers.
… (Art. 45)

The Federal Supreme Council has the following powers:
…
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:
…
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)