Constitution of the United Arab Emirates/Part 4-1

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CHAPTER (1)
THE FEDERAL SUPREME COUNCIL

Article (34)

The Federal Supreme Council is the highest authority in the UAE. The Federal Supreme Council consists of the Rulers of all the member Emirates of the UAE; In case of a Ruler’s absence or when it is not possible for a Ruler to attend, the acting Ruler in the Emirate substitutes the Ruler in the Federal Supreme Council.

An Emirate has a single vote in the deliberations of the Council.

Article (34)

The Federal Supreme Council has the following powers:

1. Draw up the general policy in all the matters vested in the UAE by the Constitution and consider anything that may achieve the goals of the UAE and the common interest of the member Emirates.

2. Sanction the federal laws before they are promulgated including the Annual General Budget Act and the Closing Account Act.

3. Sanction the decrees relating to the matters which, under the provisions of the Constitution, must be sanctioned or approved by the Supreme Council before these decrees are promulgated by the President of the UAE.

4. Sanction, by decree, the international treaties and conventions.

5. Upon a proposal by the President of the UAE, approve the appointment of the Prime Minister of the UAE, accept his resignation, and remove him from office.

6. Approve the appointment and accept the resignation and, in the cases provided in the Constitution, the dismissal of the President and Judges of the Federal Supreme Court. In all cases, a decree is issued.

7. Exercise high oversight over the UAE’s affairs, in general.

8. Assume such responsibilities as may be provided in the Constitution or in the federal laws.

Article (48)

1. The Supreme Council lays down its by-law including its operating procedure and the way of voting on its decisions. The Council’s deliberations are held in camera.

2. The Supreme Council shall establish a General Secretariat staffed by an adequate number of officers to assist the Council in performing its duties.

Article (49)

The decisions of the Supreme Council on substantive matters are taken by majority of five of its members provided that Abu Dhabi and Dubai Emirates must be among the five members. The minority shall abide by the opinion of the majority. The decisions of the Council on procedural matters are taken by majority vote. The Council’s by-law specifies these matters.

Article (50)

The sessions of the Supreme Council are held in the UAE’s capital city and may be held in such other place as may be agreed upon in advance.