Political situation

Although the United Arab Emirates lie in quite unstable part of our planet, it counts among the world’s most safe and stable states. All the states are hereditary absolutist monarchies. People can neither vote nor to be elected because the elections don’t exist here – such as political parties and another similar organisations.

The absolute power belongs to the rulers of the seven emirates and their families. Naming of the ruler is a matter of descent. The strongest position belongs to the family of Nahyan which rules the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the family of Maktoum which rules Dubai.

In the UAE the constitution exist since 1971. According to this constitution, the head of the UAE is president “elected” for a five years long term of office by The High Council of Rulers which consists of the rulers of each emirate. But unwritten rule is that the ruler of Abu Dhabi is elected president. The High Council decides about the country’s most crucial decisions. For taking such decision, an agreement of at least five rulers is necessary. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have the veto.