Government
In the UAE there is a symbiotic relationship between formal and traditional government. The Supreme Council is the country’s top policy making body comprising hereditary rulers from each of the seven emirates. It is responsible for developing and approving federal policies and laws.
The federal government includes the Federal Council of Ministers (executive), the Federal Judiciary and the 40-member Federal National Council (legislative). The introduction of indirect elections in December 2006 to select half the FNC membership, including the participation of nine women in parliament, has increased public participation in the country’s legislative processes. Each of the seven emirates has its own local government, which co-ordinates closely with federal institutions and which follows a general structure, as outlined in the constitution.
The Supreme Council elected His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as president in November 2004, following the death of his father and first president of UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
His Highness Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces chairs the emirate’s central governing body, the Executive Council. Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council oversees government agencies that administer various services ranging from culture and heritage, commerce, economic development, education, health, food, pensions, information, utilities and finance, amongst others. Diwans, or ruler’s representatives, are also adjoined to the ruler’s and crown prince’s offices to facilitate community relations.
Economy & Diversification
The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizeable annual trade surplus. Abu Dhabi’s economy is largely based on revenue generated from natural resources. The emirate holds 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves and almost 5% of the world’s natural gas. Petroleum and natural gas play a vital role although other sectors are emerging to support the emirate’s economy. Remarkably, non oil and gas GDP constitutes 64% of the total GDP with Abu Dhabi benefitting from substantial new investment in real estate, tourism, industry and retail.
Towards 2030 – The Economic Vision
Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, based on principles laid out in the Government’s August 2007 Policy Agenda, is a roadmap for the emirate’s economic progress. The 2030 vision looks to effectively transform the emirate’s economic base to deliver global integration and enduring benefits for all.
The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030