Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates
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| Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates | |
|---|---|
| Name | Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates |
| Native name | المجلس الأعلى لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة |
| Type | Federal institution |
| Formed | 1971 |
| Jurisdiction | United Arab Emirates |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi |
| Chairperson | President of the United Arab Emirates |
Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates is the highest constitutional authority of the United Arab Emirates under the 1971 Federal Constitution, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven constituent emirates and serving as a collective headship that shapes national policy, constitutional appointments, and federal unity. The council's decisions have influenced relations with states including Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Kingdom, United States, and organizations such as the United Nations, Gulf Cooperation Council, and Arab League.
History
The council was established during the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 by founding rulers including Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and others who negotiated with the British Empire culminating in the British withdrawal from the Trucial States and the 1971 proclamation of federation. Early council sessions addressed issues arising from treaties like the Treaty of Darin and regional events such as the Iranian Revolution and the Gulf War, coordinating responses with partners such as Kuwait and Qatar. Over decades the council adapted through successions involving figures like Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and shifting geopolitics following events including the Arab Spring, the Yemeni Civil War, and normalization processes involving Israel–United Arab Emirates relations.
Composition and Membership
Membership comprises the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Prominent members have included rulers from dynasties such as the Al Nahyan family and the Al Maktoum family, with titles like Emir of Abu Dhabi and Ruler of Dubai. The chair of the council is traditionally the President of the United Arab Emirates, while the vice chair is often the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Succession events have intersected with institutions such as the Federal National Council and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and with external actors like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank when addressing fiscal policy.
Powers and Functions
The council exercises constitutional powers including appointment of the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, ratification of federal laws promulgated by the Federal National Council, approval of federal budgets, and decisions on admission of new emirates or changes to federal structure. It oversees national security strategy in coordination with entities such as the UAE Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence (United Arab Emirates), and regional partners like NATO through partnerships. The council has authority over treaties with states such as United Kingdom, France, China, and multilateral accords within forums like the United Nations General Assembly. It also influences economic initiatives involving institutions such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Dubai International Financial Centre, Mubadala Investment Company, and interactions with corporations like Emirates (airline) and DP World.
Meetings and Procedures
Sessions are convened in venues within Abu Dhabi or other emirates and follow protocols derived from the 1971 Federal Constitution and customary practice among ruling families, often attended by heads of executive bodies including the Council of Ministers (United Arab Emirates), ministers from portfolios like Ministry of Foreign Affairs (United Arab Emirates) and Ministry of Finance (United Arab Emirates), and advisers with ties to institutions such as the Central Bank of the UAE. Meetings have addressed crises associated with events like the COVID-19 pandemic and regional security incidents, coordinating responses with organizations such as the World Health Organization and regional health authorities. Administrative support is provided by federal offices and secretariats linked to the Presidency of the UAE and royal courts of member emirates.
Decision-Making and Voting
Decisions are generally reached through consensus among the rulers, with formal voting procedures available when needed as specified by constitutional practice; matters such as selection of the president, constitutional amendments, and admission of new members require qualified majorities and are influenced by dynastic agreements among families like the Al Qasimi family and other ruling houses. The council's practice draws comparisons with collegial bodies in federations such as the Federal Assembly (Switzerland), though embedded in monarchical traditions similar to those in monarchies like Bahrain and Oman. Delegations and envoys have included figures who later served in cabinets or institutions like the Federal Supreme Court (United Arab Emirates).
Relationship with Other Federal Institutions
The council interacts constitutionally with the Federal National Council, the Council of Ministers (United Arab Emirates), and the Federal Supreme Court (United Arab Emirates), influencing appointment and oversight roles, budgetary approval concerning entities like the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation. It liaises with emirate-level bodies such as the Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi and Dubai Executive Council and engages with regional organizations like the Gulf Cooperation Council on collective security, trade, and energy matters tied to actors like OPEC and multinational corporations such as BP and TotalEnergies.
Notable Decisions and Impact on UAE Policy
Notable council decisions include the appointment of presidents and prime ministers, federal initiatives on economic diversification embodied in partnerships with Masdar and ADQ, the federal response to the Gulf Cooperation Council crisis (2017–2021), participation in international coalitions in the Yemen conflict, and the 2020 normalization of relations leading to the Abraham Accords with Israel. The council has steered energy and climate policy involving projects like the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and collaborations with entities such as Siemens and Rosatom, and shaped migration and labor frameworks affecting relations with countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Philippines. Its rulings have left lasting influence on domestic institutions including the judiciary, federal ministries, sovereign wealth funds, and the UAE's posture in forums such as the United Nations Security Council and World Economic Forum.