Official name

United Arab Emirates

Form of state

Federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Qaiwain and Fujairah

Legal system

Based on the 1971 constitution

National legislature

Unicameral Federal National Council of 20 appointed and 20 elected members representing the separate emirates; it has a consultative role only

Head of state

The Supreme Council, comprising the seven emirs, elects the president from among its members. On the death of his father in November 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan became ruler of Abu Dhabi and was elected president of the UAE

National government

The Council of Ministers (cabinet), led by the prime minister, is appointed by the Supreme Council of Rulers. Each state is represented by at least one minister, with senior posts allocated to the larger emirates. The Council of Ministers initiates legislation for ratification by the Supreme Council of Rulers, which is also a policymaking body and meets formally about once a year. The latest cabinet reshuffle was in February 2008

Main political parties

Political parties are not permitted

The government

President: Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan

Prime minister & vice-president: Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum

Deputy prime minister & interior minister: Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan

Deputy prime minister & presidential affairs minister: Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan

Ministers of state

Federal National Council affairs: Mohammed Anwar Gargash

Financial affairs: Obaid Humaid al-Tayer

Foreign affairs: Mohammed Anwar Gargash

Key ministers

Cabinet affairs: Mohammed al-Gergawi

Culture, youth & community development: Abdelrahman Mohammed al-Owais

Defence: Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum

Economy: Sultan bin Said al-Mansouri

Education: Humaid Mohammed Obeid al-Qattami

Energy: Mohammed bin Dhaen al-Hamli

Environment & water: Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad

Finance: Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktoum

Foreign affairs: Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan

Foreign trade: Lubna al-Qasimi

Health: Hanif Hassan Ali

Higher education & scientific research: Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan

Justice: Hadef bin Juaan al-Dhaheri

Labour: Saqr Ghobash Said Ghobash

Public works & housing: Hamdan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan

Social affairs: Mariam Mohammed Khalfan al-Roumi

Central Bank governor

Sultan bin Nasser al-Suwaidi