Middle East and North Africa

United Arab Emirates
Last revised: 12 January 2009

Country information

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POLITICS

The UAE's system of government is enshrined in the 1971 constitution. It consists of the Federal Supreme Council (consisting of the rulers of the seven Emirates), a President and Vice President (elected by the Supreme Council for a five year term), a Council of Ministers and a 40-strong Federal National Council (drawn from representatives of all seven Emirates). From the summer of 2006, half of the Federal National Council has beenelected.

HUMAN RIGHTS

The UAE has a relatively good human rights record. The UAE participated in the Universal Periodic Review (a process involving a review of the Human Rights record of each of the 192 UN member states every four years) in December 2008. Sharia law is not applied comprehensively and death sentences and amputations are rarely carried out. The practice of a wide range of religions is permitted. Women are not discriminated against in law but play a limited role in political and commercial decision-making. The UAE continues to moitor its labour laws in relation to migrant workers and domestic staff. One area where the UAE had been criticised was the use of children as camel jockeys. UAE legislation outlaws the use of children and the UAE authorities have worked closely with UNICEF on this issue.