The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global economic leader. It has seven emirates, including Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The population of expats in the UAE testifies it strong legal system that is based on Islamic principles, civil laws and international laws. The blend of these legal systems has enhanced the economic, social and political stability in the UAE. The UAE Constitution outlines the rights and responsibilities of the citizens and government, ensuring everyone feel safe in the country.

The historical context of the UAE Constitution is interesting as the region was known as Trucial States, ruled by the Sheikhs. Each of those states had separate rules and so governed differently. However, those states were protected by the British government. In the 1960s, the British government decided to withdraw from the region, making all states unified to form an alliance. Those states developed unity and that is how the UAE was established in the 1971 and so the Constitution was adopted. By 1996, the UAE Constitution was made permanent to strengthen the legal system of the emirates. Now, UAE has become one of the best laws implemented countries in world.

The UAE Constitution has 152 articles, covering the aspects of rights, government structure and the judicial authority. Under those aspects, the UAE legal system is strengthened:

Without a government in the UAE, the Constitution could not have been possible. The UAE is one of those countries that has federal laws as well local laws. It means that the central government is established to govern the rules in the UAE, however, the emirates have integrated their own laws to manage economic and political stability within the region. The federal government in the UAE has the highest ruler, known as The Supreme Council of Rulers. It has then the President and Vice President to manage the administrative tasks of the region. However, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, therefore, the position of President is given to the ruler in Abu Dhabi. There is Federal National Council that has 40 members. They are elected by the citizens, whereas half of them is appointed by the higher authorities in the emirates. The Council of Ministers, also known as Cabinet is responsible to execute and implement policies, whereas oversee the government affairs.

The legal system in the UAE has Sharia and civil laws. It was important to have both laws to promote the international legal system and create ease for the non-Muslims. The court system in the UAE involves the Federal Supreme Court and Federal and Local Courts, as per the hierarchy, from highest to lowest. The Supreme Court is responsible for handling disputes over Constitution as it is the highest authority to rule on the laws and make new ones, if needed, in the Constitution. Consequently, the Federal and Local Courts manage criminal, civil and commercial cases as per the jurisdictions, respectively.

The UAE Constitution ensures equality and justice to every citizen. It means that equality comes before the law, ensuring equal treatment to the expats and Emiratis in the UAE. The individuals are allowed to practice their culture and religion with the intention to promote diversity and inclusion, rather than creating hate speech or defamation against each other. However, every citizen has the right to education, whether they want to enroll in local or the international schools in the UAE.

The UAE Constitution promotes federal authority and emirate autonomy. It allows the emirates to maintain their own governance structure in accordance with the UAE Constitution. In this way, emirates can manage their resources efficiently and focus on resources with more attention. For example, the oil revenues are higher in the UAE economy, so Abu Dhabi and Dubai can control the oil reserves on their own as they have the largest oil reserves in the UAE. The UAE Constitution also promotes a collaborative governance model by getting the federal law passed by the individual emirates. Such steps in the legal system improvises the political and economic stability in the UAE.

With time, the UAE has developed efficiently. The success behind the UAE becoming a global leader is the changes in the UAE Constitution with time. There have been several amendments in the UAE Constitution since its independence. However, these changes were adopted to enhance political and economic stability in the region. Several changes were made to the business rules and regulations, ensuring best international business practices to achieve a recognition as one of the international economic leaders.

The UAE Constitution has an important role to play when it comes to business sector as to enhance the economic activities in the UAE. The country has free zones or freehold areas where the expats can have 100% ownership in their businesses. The UAE is benefitted with the foreign investments and that is how it promotes diversity and inclusion in the business sector.

Our lawyers and legal consultants in UAE are proactively working with business models, ensuring investors get into the right direction to do business in the UAE. Our lawyers in UAE are helping people in UAE. Demand for business and corporate lawyers in the UAE, have been increased. Our lawyers help companies, established in mainland and free zones of the UAE. Our lawyers also assist investors to create financial agreements with other companies, employment contracts as well protect their intellectual property with complete registration of trademarks.

The lawyers in the UAE have valuable contributions in managing the socio-economic affairs of the state. However, they have efficiently implemented laws and policies as per the UAE Constitution, ensuring diversity and inclusion for all.

The UAE Constitution focuses on social justice and human rights by promoting equal rights to every citizen, in terms of healthcare and education. There has been a significant change made to gender equality and employment rights as the UAE wants to maintain its international standard as a global leader. Several international organizations have chosen the UAE for its laws for freedom of speech and labour rights.

The UAE Constitution emphasizes social justice, promoting initiatives that improve living conditions, healthcare, and education. While significant progress has been made in gender equality and labor rights, international organizations have called for further reforms in areas such as freedom of speech and workers’ rights.

Legal professionals and lawyers play a pivotal role in advocating for human rights, representing individuals in labor disputes, and ensuring that government policies align with constitutional mandates. Their role in upholding justice and fair treatment for all residents is indispensable to the legal ecosystem. We have a top team of lawyers, legal professionals and legal consultants.