Comparative Governments: 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 was established on December 2, 1971.
• Six of the seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah, Ajman) initially agreed to the federation
• Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation the following year
• Qatar and Bahrain became separate nations
• The UAE's political system is based on a constitution (constitutional federation)
• The constitution outlines the rules for the political and constitutional organization of the country
• The constitution defines the purpose and objectives of the federation at local and regional levels.
• UAE citizens have equal rights, opportunities, safety, security, and social justice
• The UAE constitution grants specific powers to Abu Dhabi, while other emirates have residual powers

UAE Power Distribution

• Abu Dhabi holds key powers such as defense, air traffic control, nationality, passports, and residence.
• Other emirates have remaining powers
• Immigration, currency, the judiciary, foreign affairs, and security are among the powers delegated to Abu Dhabi.

The Supreme Council

• The Supreme Council comprises the seven sheikhs of the seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah)
• The Supreme Council has the power to enact legislation, establish policy, appoint officials, and oversee the Federation's affairs
• Decisions require a majority of five votes, including those from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The President and His Deputy

• The UAE President and Vice President are elected by the Supreme Council for a five-year renewable term
• The President is responsible for overseeing the administration of federal laws and affairs.
• In the President's absence, the Vice President assumes their responsibilities.
• The President has extensive legislative and executive powers, including convening and presiding over Supreme Council meetings.

Council of Ministers

• The Council of Ministers is the UAE's executive authority, headed by the Prime Minister
• The Prime Minister, currently Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (ruler of Dubai), selects cabinet ministers from representatives across the seven emirates
• Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi was the first woman minister in the UAE. She served as the Minister of Economy and Planning

Federal National Council

• The FNC is composed of 40 members representing the seven emirates
• The number of seats for each emirate is based on population (Abu Dhabi and Dubai have the most seats)
• The FNC has a consultative role, including serving the people, consolidating shura (consultation), examining legislation, questioning ministers, and discussing the budget

Federal Judiciary

• The UAE judicial system includes both a federal and local judiciary
• The federal judiciary includes the Federal Supreme Court, Federal Courts of Appeal, and Federal Courts of First Instance (civil and sharia)
• Judges of the Federal Supreme Court are appointed by presidential decree and endorsed by the Supreme Council.

Background - Kuwait

• Kuwait gained independence from the UK on June 19, 1961.
• Kuwait's constitution, adopted in 1962, combines presidential and parliamentary systems
• Kuwait is a constitutional emirate with a parliamentary system of government
• Authorities are divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the Emir as head of state.

Executive Branch - Kuwait

• The Emir is the hereditary head of state, appointing the prime minister and deputy prime ministers
• A Cabinet/Council of Ministers, appointed by the prime minister and approved by the Emir, is responsible for executing government tasks

Legislative Branch - Kuwait

• Kuwait's National Assembly (parliament) has 66 seats, with 50 elected by popular vote and 16 appointed cabinet ministers
• The National Assembly approves/disapproves Emir appointments and creates/approves legislation.
• Laws must be signed by the Emir within one month to take effect

Judicial Branch - Kuwait

• Kuwait has a civil law system, with significant use of Sharia law for personal matters
• The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court, Appeal Court, and Constitutional Court.
• All Kuwaiti judges are appointed by the Emir on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council (a consultative body composed of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials).

Explore the political systems of the UAE and Kuwait, focusing on the formation of the UAE and its constitutional framework. Understand the distribution of powers among the emirates and the rights of UAE citizens. This quiz delves into the nuances of governance in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).