About this book:

This book provides a comprehensive guide to the intricate political system of the United Arab Emirates, exploring its evolution from a collection of independent sheikhdoms to a unified federal state. It delves into the foundational elements of UAE governance, including the 1971 provisional constitution (made permanent in 1996), which outlines the structure and roles of the five federal authorities: the Federal Supreme Council, the President and Vice-President, the Council of Ministers, the Federal National Council, and the Federal Judiciary. The book examines the unique blend of traditional authority, rooted in tribal legacies and hereditary rule by the seven emirates' rulers, and the development of modern federal institutions designed to unify and coordinate diverse regional interests.

The text analyzes the power dynamics within the UAE, highlighting the central role of the Federal Supreme Council, comprised of the seven rulers, as the highest constitutional authority with ultimate decision-making power. It details the process by which the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, by convention the President and Vice-President/Prime Minister, hold significant influence, including effective veto power over substantive decisions in the Council. The book also explores the roles of the Cabinet as the executive engine and the Federal National Council as a consultative body that has gradually incorporated indirectly elected members through an electoral college system.

Beyond formal structures, the book examines the political culture and social organization shaped by tribal affiliations, respect for authority, and the importance of family, alongside the impact of rapid modernization and a vast expatriate population. It addresses key human rights concerns, including restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, the controversial kafala system governing migrant workers, and the complex interplay of gender, law, and women's increasing political participation within a legal system blending civil law and Islamic Sharia. Finally, it looks at the UAE's increasingly assertive foreign policy driven by security concerns, economic ambitions, and a pragmatic approach to regional and global relations, alongside its ambitious economic diversification policies and role as a global power broker.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Explore the unique political system of the UAE, a blend of traditional hereditary rule and modern federal institutions.
• Understand the foundational role of the Federal Constitution and the powers of key federal authorities like the Federal Supreme Council, President, and Cabinet.
• Learn about the distinct characteristics of the seven emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and their influence within the federation.
• Examine the legal duality of civil law and Islamic Sharia in the UAE, and their application in both federal and local court systems.
• Discover the dynamics of UAE foreign policy, its evolution from neutrality to assertiveness, key drivers, and relationships within the GCC, Arab world, and Horn of Africa.

Who's It For:

This book is for anyone interested in the political system and governance of the United Arab Emirates. It is particularly valuable for students of Middle Eastern politics, international relations professionals, business people considering operations in the UAE, and individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of how this unique federation functions amidst rapid modernization and cultural traditions.