Established in 1971, the UAE emerged as a federation of small sheikhdoms, formerly known as the Trucial States, which had been under British protection since the 19th century. In the aftermath of the British departure in the late 1960s, the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai drove the formation of the UAE.

The UAE is governed by a Supreme Council made up of the hereditary rulers from each emirate. There is also an advisory Federal National Council (FNC), half of whose members are appointed by the rulers of each emirate, and the other half of whom are elected by electoral colleges also chosen by the Sheikhs. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of electoral college members, resulting in more citizens being eligible to vote and run for the Federal National Council. Domestic politics are shaped by power imbalances between the wealthier emirates and their counterparts, with key challenges around centralization, distribution of federal power and social cohesion prompting a shift towards the promotion of a national identity over tribal affiliations in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. The post-2011 landscape increased securitization narratives, with dissidents and journalists subject to arbitrary arrest and sophisticated electronic surveillance. In 2014, mandatory national service was introduced with the double purpose of strengthening national identity and increasing regional influence.

The UAE has a higher proportion of foreign residents compared to citizens, estimated to be around 13% of the population. Despite this significant migrant worker population, many Asian and African workers face racism and labor abuses connected to the kafala system, which grants employers excessive control over employees’ legal status and movement. Stateless individuals, known as Bidoon, also struggle to access basic services and employment. Women’s rights remain restricted, with UAE family law allowing domestic violence and marital rape, and requiring marriage licenses for birth certificates and pregnancy-related care. While the UAE prohibited sex discrimination and decriminalized extramarital sex in 2020, same-sex relationships remain illegal, and LGBTQIA+ communities face ongoing discrimination.

In attempting to diversify its economy, the UAE is incentivizing citizens into productive work, moving away from reliance on state benefits that had previously supported some to be able to live comfortably without employment. The country is also promoting inclusion and expansion of citizenship for investors and skilled workers, especially Westerners and Arabs.

Looking ahead, Rights will be crucial to watch, especially for understanding the extent of the government’s apparent liberalization. Recent minor changes to women’s rights could lead to more serious commitment to gender equality, but this remains to be seen. Additionally, it will be crucial to watch the federal power balance, especially as heightened security concerns might influence governance dynamics and democratic development in the UAE.

Last Updated: June 2024