Country which is different from others: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country known for a mixture of its unique governance, modernity and traditions. Consolidated by the seven Emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quain, Ras Al Khaima and Fujirah – this country works under a Federal System, which not only makes its political structure special, but also separates it from other countries of the rest of the Gulf countries and the world.
UAE government structure
The UAE government is a Federal Presidential Elective Constitutional Monarki. If you understand this in easy language, it is a union of seven Emirates, where every Emirates has its own ruler, but they all unite and run the country under a federal structure. Its foundation was laid in 1971, when six Emirates together formed UAE and in 1972 Ras al Khaima also joined it. Its specialty is that it is a constitutional monarchy, where the ruler chooses and becomes President, but it is not like a general republic.
The basis of the Constitution: The Constitution of UAE was created in 1971 and it was given permanent form in 1996. It has 152 articles, which define the goals of the country, the rights of citizens, the sharing of the Federal and local powers. This constitution is the basis of keeping the country united and giving equal rights to all citizens.
Federal Supreme Council: It is UAE’s largest decision -making organization. It consists of the rulers of the seven Emirates. The council elects the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister. Also, it approves Federal laws and takes decisions on big issues like foreign policy.
President and Prime Minister: Currently, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the President of UAE, who has been in the post since May 2022. The ruler of Dubai is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum Vice President and Prime Minister. Both these positions are traditionally given to the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as these are the two largest and economically powerful Emirates.
Cabinet and Ministry: UAE has 37 ministers in the cabinet, including 9 women. This cabinet works to implement the policies of the country and handle various sectors such as foreign affairs, finance, education and health. It is the executive part of the Federal Government.
Balance of local and federal powers
The biggest feature of the UAE government is its federal and balance of local powers. Each Emirates has gained considerable autonomy in its internal affairs, but some areas are under the control of the Federal government to maintain solidarity at the national level.
Local autonomy: Each Emirates has its own ruler, which controls the economic, social and administrative policies of his region. For example, Abu Dhabi focuses on oil resources, while Dubai is the center of trade and tourism. Sharjah is known for cultural and educational activities.
Federal Rights: The Federal Government has large issues like foreign policy, defense, education, health and currency. This ensures that the country united and maintain its identity on the global platform.
Municipalities and local councils: Municipalities and executive councils are strengthened in large Emirates like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which further strengthen the local administration. These councils work on the development and infrastructure of their Emirates.
Federal national council (fNC)
The Federal National Council (FNC) in the UAE is a advisory Parliament, which consists of 40 members. Of these, 20 members are selected, and 20 are appointed as the ruler of the Emirates. This is an important part of increasing public participation in the UAE governance. Elections for FNC started for the first time in 2006. Initially only a few thousand people could cast their votes, but by 2019 this number increased to more than 3 lakh 30 thousand. In the 2023 election, 41% of the candidates were women, which is a major step towards gender equality.
Characteristics of UAE’s governance
There are many characteristics that make the UAE governance special, which separates it from other countries.
Mixing of tradition and modernity: The rule of UAE associates the old traditions such as Majlis (where the ruling people listen to the problems of the people) with the modern administrative structure. This mixture makes it unique.
Economic Diversity: If Abu Dhabi is dependent on oil, then on Dubai tourism and business. This diversity gives economic stability to the country and makes governance flexible.
Empowerment of women: UAE has given women an important role in governance. Their stake in the cabinet and FNC is much higher than in other Gulf countries.
Transparency and Technology: UAE launched the UAE Legislation platform in 2023, making the laws easier. It increases transparency and efficiency.
Social Inclusion: 96% of the population in UAE is Muslim, but also a place for Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and other religions. Projects such as Abrahamic Family House reflect religious tolerance.
Education and Health: Education and Health Services are free for citizens. This reflects the priority of the government.
The UAE government is a unique model, which combines tradition and modernity together. Its federal structure, local autonomy and progressive policies make it different in the Gulf region. It is not only ahead in economic development, but also makes its mark on the global platform by promoting cultural and religious tolerance. However, there is scope for improvement in areas such as political freedom and migrant rights. Nevertheless, the UAE rule model is a story that inspires countries around the world how rapid progress can be made despite limited resources.
Characteristics of education
There are many characteristics of the UAE education system, which make it different globally.
Dual language system: Government schools study both Arabic and English. It makes children competitive globally along the local culture. Private schools also have options like Hindi, French, and Urdu.
Smart Learning: UAE has made technology an integral part of education. Under the ‘Smart Education Initiative’, schools use tablets, interactive boards and AI-based learning tools. By 2023, 90% of government schools have been equipped with digital learning.
Inclusive Education: UAE has inclusive schools and programs for children with special needs. Under the ‘People of Determination’ initiative, special teachers and facilities are available for children like autism and dyslexia.
Women’s share: UAE has emphasis on gender equality in education. According to 2023 data, more than 70% of university graduates are women. This is the highest among the Gulf countries.
Education for the elderly: Community centers and universities offer free or discounted courses for the elderly, such as digital skills, calligraphy, and history. Mohammed bin Rashid Library and Community College of Sharjah are examples of this.
Vocational training: Technical and vocational education is emphasized. Programs like ‘Tawteen’ and ‘Emirates Skills’ prepare youth and adults for jobs.
Health services in uae
Free health services for citizens: UAE citizens, especially the elderly, get free treatment in government hospitals and clinics. This facility is provided through the ‘Thiqa’ card, which is special for people above 60 years in Abu Dhabi.
Special Elderly Care Center: UAE has several day-care centers and home care services for the elderly. For example, there are ‘Senior Healthcare Centers’ in Dubai, where physiotherapy, mental health assistance and social activities are provided to the elderly.
Home Healthcare: Services of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists are available for the elderly at home. This is special for those who are unable to go to the hospital. Seha (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company) provides such services.
Telemedicine and Digital Health: UAE has promoted telemedicine, so that elders can consult a doctor from their home. Appointments can be booked on video calls through ‘DUBAI Health Authority) اپلیک even. Its demand increased by 300% during Kovid between 2020-23.
Special Hospital: Sheikh Shakhboot Medical City and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offer special wards and services for the elderly, such as cardiology, diabetes management and orthopedics.
Preventive Health Program: UAE government runs a free screening program for the elderly, such as cancer, diabetes and heart diseases check. The ‘Weqaya’ program is an example of this, which emphasizes prevention of diseases.
Mental health: The elderly have special counseling and therapy centers for problems like depression and dementia. ‘Elderly Happiness Programs’ are run in Raas al Khamah and Sharjah, where mental health is promoted through social activities.
Why different from other countries?
UAE’s health and education services, especially for the elderly, are different from other countries for many reasons:
World -class infrastructure: UAE’s hospitals and universities are of global standards, which ahead of neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia or Qatar.
Cultural Inclusion: UAE has more than 200 nationalities, and the government has designed services for all. It is also different from European countries, where migrants often do not get such facilities.
Rapid digitalization: UAE has adopted digital technology in health and education rapidly. Its progress in telemedicine and online learning is far ahead of countries like India.
Government Investment: The UAE government spends more than 20% of GDP on health and education, making it the most invested country in the Gulf region.
Social Welfare: In UAE, the elderly are seen not only as patients or students, but as important parts of society. This approach separates it from conservative societies.
The education system of UAE is a story that introduces a spectacular mix of tradition, modernity and inclusion. It provides opportunities to learn not only for children and youth, but also for the elderly. Smart learning, global courses, and heavy government investment make it different in the Gulf region and the world. However, there is a need to improve areas such as cost and awareness of private education. Nevertheless, this model of UAE shows how a small country can make a strong identity on the global stage through education.
