Formation of Federal Supreme Council
The Federal Supreme Council consists of rulers of the seven emirates constituting the federation or their deputies in their emirates in case of rulers' absence or unavailability. Each Emirate has one single vote in the council resolutions and deliberations.
Responsibilities of Federal Supreme Council
The Federal Supreme Council performs the responsibilities outlined below :
1- Formulating the general policy on all matters invested in the federation under the constitution, and considering all matters that could lead to the achievement of the objectives of the federation and the common interests of the member emirates.
2- Endorsing the various federal laws prior to their issuance including laws of the annual general budget of the federation and the closing accounts .
3- Sanctioning the decrees on matters that by virtue of the provisions of the constitution are subject to the ratification and approval of the Federal Supreme Council. Such sanctioning takes place prior to issuance of such decrees by the president of the council .
4- Ratification of treaties and international agreements. Such ratification is done by accomplished by decree.
5- Approving the appointment of the prime minister of the federation, accepting his resignation, and requesting him to resign upon the suggestion of the President of the Federation .
6- Approving the appointment of the president and the judges of the Supreme Federal Court, accepting their resignations, and dismissing them in the cases specified by the constitution. Such actions are done by decrees
7- Supreme control over the affairs of the federation in general .
8- Any other relevant responsibilities stipulated in the constitution or in the federal laws .
Mechanisms of Federal Supreme Council resolutions
• Federal Supreme Council lays down its own regulations including its procedure for conduct of business and the method for voting on its resolutions. The deliberations of the Council shall remain secret.
• Federal Supreme Council establishes a general secretariat consisting of a sufficient number of officials to help it in performing its duties and functions .
• Resolutions of the Federal Supreme Council on substantive matters are made by a majority of five of its members provided that such majority includes the vote of the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai . Minority shall abide by the opinion of the aforesaid majority. However, resolutions of the council on procedural matters shall be issued by a majority vote. Such matters are defined in the by-laws of the council.
• Federal Supreme Council holds its sessions in the capital of the federation; however, they can be held in any other place agreen on beforehand .