Comparative Governments of GCC: UAE & Kuwait

Comparative Governments of GCC: UAE & Kuwait

• The UAE was formed in 1971, following the British withdrawal from the Arabian Gulf.
• The UAE federation initially comprised six emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ajman).
• Later, Ras Al-Khaimah joined, making the UAE seven emirates.
• Qatar and Bahrain formed as separate nations.
• The UAE's political system is based on the constitution, establishing the rules for the federation and local/regional levels.
• The constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities, safety, security, and social justice to all UAE citizens.
• Abu Dhabi holds significant power, including defense, air traffic control, nationality, passports, residence, immigration, currency, judiciary, foreign affairs and security.
• Remaining emirates have residual powers.
• The Supreme Council is composed of the seven emirs.
• The Supreme Council's powers include enacting legislation, establishing policy, appointing officials, and supervising the federation's affairs.
• Decisions require a majority vote, including the emirs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• The UAE President and Vice President are elected by the Supreme Council for a five-year term.
• They oversee federal legislation and affairs.
• The Vice President handles responsibilities in the President's absence.
• The President holds executive powers, including convening and leading meetings of the Supreme Council.
• The Council of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister.
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum currently serves as Prime Minister.
• He selects cabinet ministers from among representatives of the seven emirates.
• Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi was the first female minister, responsible for the Ministry of Economy and Planning.
• The Federal National Council (FNC) has 40 members representing the seven emirates.
• Seat allocation is proportional to the emirates' populations (Abu Dhabi & Dubai having the most).
• The FNC role is consultative, serving the people and the nation, consolidating shura principles, examining/amending legislation, questioning ministers, and discussing budgets.
• The UAE's judicial system has both federal and local courts.
• The Federal Supreme Court consists of five judges, including a president, appointed by presidential decree and endorsed by the Supreme Council.

Kuwait Background

• Kuwait gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961.
• Kuwait's constitution, implemented in 1962, combines elements of presidential and parliamentary systems.
• Kuwait is a constitutional emirate with a parliamentary system.
• Governing authorities are divided into legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
• The Emir heads the authorities.

Kuwait Executive Branch

• The Emir's position is hereditary.
• The Emir appoints the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers.
• A Cabinet/Council of Ministers is appointed by the Prime Minister, and approved by the Emir.
• The Prime Minister is responsible for executing the Emir's executive tasks.

Kuwait Legislative Branch

• Kuwait’s National Assembly (parliament) has 66 seats.
• 50 seats are elected by popular vote, with 16 cabinet ministers appointed by the Prime Minister.
• Elected members serve four-year terms.
• The National Assembly creates legislature and approves/disapproves Emir's appointments.
• Laws enacted by the National Assembly become official only after the Emir's signature within one month.

Kuwait Judicial Branch

• Kuwait has a civil law system, with Sharia law used for personal matters.
• The judicial system includes the Supreme Court, Appeal Court, and Constitutional Court; each consisting of 5 judges.
• Kuwaiti judges are appointed by the Emir, upon recommendation from the Supreme Judicial Council, a body comprised of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials.

Explore the political systems of the UAE and Kuwait in this engaging quiz. Learn about the formation of the UAE, its constitutional framework, and the distribution of powers among the emirates. Additionally, delve into how these factors shape governance in these two nations.