Established in 1971, the UAE emerged as a federation of seven small sheikhdoms, formerly known as the Trucial States, which had been under British protection since the 19th century. After Britain’s departure in the late 1960s, Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s rulers led the federation’s formation. Today, the country is governed by a Supreme Council of the seven hereditary rulers, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s rulers serving as President and Prime Minister and holding a veto power. The advisory Federal National Council (FNC) acts as the legislature, with members partly appointed by the emirate rulers and partly elected through electoral colleges also appointed by the Sheikhs. In recent years, an increase in the number of electoral college members has resulted in more citizens being eligible to vote and run for the FNC. 

The UAE’s domestic politics are influenced by power disparities between wealthier and smaller emirates, with challenges around centralization, federal power distribution, and social cohesion. Since the Arab Spring, there has been a shift toward fostering a unified national identity that transcends traditional tribal affiliations. The post-2011 political climate has seen heightened securitization, including arbitrary arrests of dissidents and journalists, and sophisticated electronic surveillance. In 2014, mandatory national service was introduced with the double purpose of strengthening national identity and regional influence.

The UAE has a higher proportion of foreign residents compared to citizens, estimated to be around 13 per cent of the population. Many Asian and African migrant workers face racism and abuse under the kafala system, which grants employers excessive control over employees’ legal status and movement.  Stateless Bidoon also lack access to basic services and jobs. To diversify its economy, the UAE is incentivizing citizens into economically productive work and is expanding citizenship for investors and skilled workers, mainly Westerners and Arabs.

The UAE ranks mid-range in Gender Equality, with women holding 50 per cent of FNC seats, and making up 70 per cent of university graduates. Recent legal reforms include provisions allowing the registration of children born outside of marriage, broader domestic violence protections including domestic workers and children, and updated family laws that expand women’s custody rights. While sex discrimination is prohibited and extramarital sex decriminalized, same-sex relationships remain illegal, and LGBTQIA+ discrimination persists.

Looking ahead, it will be important to watch the trajectory of Rights, particularly how recent legal reforms translate into meaningful progress on gender equality. Equally important will be to monitor any potential shifts in Economic Equality and Social Group Equality, with particular attention to power dynamics between wealthier and poorer emirates, as well as policies impacting migrant workers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Last Updated: June 2025