Government of the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, formed in 1971 as a federation of seven emirates, operates under an authoritarian federal monarchy with limited democratic elements. The UAE’s federal structure includes a Supreme Council comprising the hereditary rulers of each emirate, a Council of Ministers, and a Federal National Council. The President, currently Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also serves as ruler of Abu Dhabi, while Dubai’s ruler serves as Vice-President and Prime Minister. The Federal National Council has only an “advisory role” with half its 40 members elected and half appointed, including a mandated 50 percent female representation since 2023 elections. Despite official claims that “every citizen has the opportunity to express their opinion frankly,” power remains concentrated among the ruling families, with no political parties permitted and civil liberties significantly restricted. Media development and regulation activities are handled by the UAE Media Council, which reviews and approves all content published or broadcast within the UAE and has cooperated at the state level with the People’s Republic of China.