Constitution of The United Arab Emirates - Parts of The Constitution

Parts of The Constitution

Some of the important Articles and Parts of the Constitution are listed below :

Part one

1. 1. Article 2 — Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Union
   2. Article 4 — Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates
   3. Article 10 — aim of the Union is the maintenance of its independence and sovereignty
   4. Article 11 — the Union forms a single economic and customs entity; free movement of all capital and goods between emirates is guaranteed; all inter-emirate taxes, duties and tolls are abolished
   5. Article 12 — Foreign policy will be to support Arab and Islamic causes and consolidation of friendship and co-operation with all nations on the basis of the charter of the United Nations

Part Two: Fundamental Social and Economic Basis of the Union

1. 1. Article 14 — Equality, social justice, ensuring safety and security and equality of opportunity for all citizens
   2. Article 15 — The family is the basis of society. It is founded on morality, religion, ethics and patriotism. The law shall guarantee its existence, safeguard and protect it from corruption
   3. Article 17 — Compulsory education at the primary level
   4. Article 21 — Private property will be protected
   5. Article 22 — The protection of public property is the duty of every citizen

Part Three: Freedom, Rights and Public Duties

1. 1. Article 25 — All persons are equal before the law, without distinction between citizens of the Union in regard to race, nationality, religious belief or social status.
   2. Personal liberty is guaranteed; no person may be arrested, searched, detained or imprisoned except in accordance with the provisions of law
   3. Article 28 — penalty is personal; an accused shall be innocent until proven guilty
   4. Article 29 — freedom of movement is guaranteed, within limits of the law
   5. Article 30 — freedom of expression is guaranteed, within limits of the law
   6. Article 32 — freedom to exercise religious worship is guaranteed in accordance with established customs and provided it does not conflict with public policy or violate public morals
   7. Article 33 — freedom of assembly is guaranteed, within limits of the law

Part Four: Union Authorities

1. 1. Article 45 — establishes the Supreme Council of the Union (SCN), the Council of Ministers, the National Assembly and the Judiciary of the Union
   2. Article 49 — veto rights in the Supreme Council for Abu Dhabi and Dubai
   3. National Assembly composition: 8 seats each of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 6 each for Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah, and 4 each for Ajman, Umm al Quwain and Fujairah
   4. Article 108 — The President is required to confirm all death sentences imposed by a Union judicial authority

Part Five: Union Legislation and Decrees and the Authorities having Jurisdiction therein

Part Six: The Emirates

1. 1. Article 123 — the emirates may retain their individual memberships to OPEC

Part Seven

Part Eight: Financial Affairs of the Union

Part Nine: Armed Forces and Security Forces

1. 1. Article 137 — Any attack on one emirate is an attack on all emirates and upon the existence of the Union
   2. Article 138 — establishment of a unified air force, navy and land army

Part Ten: Final and Transitional Provisions

1. 1. Article 145 — Constitution cannot be suspended except when martial law is in effect