Government

HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, The President of the UAE and The Ruler of Abu Dhabi	HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

The Supreme Council of the UAE, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is the highest federal authority and is responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defense, foreign affairs & development and for ratifying federal laws.

The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.

While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai.

Each emirate enjoys considerable autonomy in managing its own affairs in matters unrelated to diplomacy and defense.

In business, the government of Dubai is committed to liberal, free market policies and to the creation of a business environment conducive to commercial activity. Oil contributes less and less of Dubai’s economic production. Trading, manufacturing and services (including tourism) now dominate the economy and the emirate is actively focusing on promoting these sectors, to reduce its dependence on oil resources.