CONSTITUTION OF UAE

THE CONSTITUTION

• The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates provides a legal and political framework for the operation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a federation of seven emirates. The Constitution came into effect on 2 December 1971 and was permanently accepted in May 1996. Authored by Adi Bitar, a forming judge and legal advisor, the Constitution is written in 10 parts and has 152 Articles. The United Arab Emirates celebrates the formation of the Union (and acceptance of the federal constitution) as National Day.

PREAMBLE OF UAE

• The preamble of the constitution declares the intent of the rulers of six emirates (Ras al Khaimah joined the Union on 10 February 1972) to form a "comprehensive, democratic regime" in an "Islamic, Arab society".
• We, the Rulers of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain and Fujairah, Whereas it is our will and the desire of the people of our Emirates to establish a Union between these Emirates, to promote a better life, more solid stability and a higher international status for the Emirates and their people;

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• Desiring to create closer links between the Arab Emirates in the form of an independent, sovereign, Federal state, capable of protecting its existence and the existence of its members, in co-operation with the sister Arab states and with all other friendly states that are members of the United Nations Organization and of the family of nations in general, on a basis of mutual respect and reciprocal interests and benefits;

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• Desiring also to lay the foundation for federal rule in the coming years on a sound basis, in line with the realities and the capacities of the Emirates at the present time, enabling the Union, giving free hand to the Union to achieve its objectives, sustaining the identity of its members providing that this is not inconsistent with those objectives and preparing the people of the Union at the same time for a dignified and free constitutional life, and progressing by steps towards a comprehensive, representative, democratic regime in an Islamic and Arab society free from fear and anxiety;

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• And whereas the realization of the foregoing is our dearest wish, towards which we have bent our strongest resolution, being desirous of advancing our country and our people to the status of qualifying them to take appropriate place among civilized states and nations; Announce to Allah, the Supreme and Almighty, and to all the people our approval of the Constitution undersigned by us.* — Preamble, Constitution of the United Arab Emirates

PARTS OF CONSTITUTION

• Part one Article 7 — Islam is the official state religion, Islamic Sharia the primary source of legislation Article 9 — Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Union. Article 10 — aim of the Union is the maintenance of its independence and sovereignty Article 11 — the Union forms a single economic and customs entity; free movement of all capital and goods between emirates is guaranteed; all inter-emirate taxes, duties and tolls are abolished Article 12 — Foreign policy will be to support Arab and Islamic causes and consolidation of friendship and co-operation with all nations on the basis of the charter of the United Nations

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• Part Two: Fundamental Social and Economic Basis of the Union
• Part Three: Freedom, Rights and Public Duties
• Part Four: Union Authorities
• Part Five: Union Legislation and Decrees and the Authorities having Jurisdiction
• Part Six: The Emirates
• Part Seven Islam is the official religion of the Union. The Islamic Sharia shall be a main source of legislation in the Union. The official language of the Union is Arabic .

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• Part Eight: Financial Affairs of the Union
• Part Nine: Armed Forces and Security Forces
• Part Ten: Final and Transitional Provisions

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