Federal Authorities
National-level government institutions serving all emirates
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
The primary federal authority responsible for managing identity and citizenship matters across the UAE.
Federal Public Prosecution
An integral part of the UAE’s judicial system, responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses.
Ministry of Interior
The federal ministry responsible for internal affairs, including public safety, security, immigration, traffic, and civil defense.
Emirates Health Services
The public health provider in the UAE, running hospitals, clinics, and offering healthcare services from family medicine to specialized treatments.
Ministry of Justice
The federal ministry responsible for overseeing the judicial system and legal affairs in the UAE.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The federal ministry responsible for the UAE’s foreign policy and international relations.
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
The federal ministry tasked with regulating and overseeing the labor market in the UAE.
Emirates Transport
A federal corporation focused on providing and managing transportation solutions, particularly in the public sector.
Emirates Vehicle Gate
A digital platform streamlining vehicle-related processes including registration, insurance, fines, and car history checks.
TASHEEL Services
An initiative by MoHRE to streamline and expedite government service transactions, particularly those related to labor.
Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority
The federal body regulating the telecommunications and digital government sectors in the UAE.
Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates
The monetary authority of the UAE, responsible for maintaining monetary and financial stability.
Emirates Schools Establishment
Manages and operates public schools, ensuring quality education across the federal system.
Federal Customs Authority
Oversees customs policies, procedures, and regulations across all UAE ports of entry.
Ministry of Economy
Responsible for economic policies, business regulation, and promoting investment in the UAE.
Ministry of Finance
Manages the federal government’s financial affairs, including budget, revenue, and public debt.
Securities and Commodities Authority
The federal regulator for capital markets and financial services in the UAE.
General Civil Aviation Authority
The federal regulatory body for civil aviation in the UAE, overseeing safety and security.
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation
Regulates the nuclear sector in the UAE, ensuring safety, security, and non-proliferation.
National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority
The national authority responsible for regulating and coordinating all efforts of emergency, crisis, and disaster management.
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Develops and implements policies for environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
Ministry of Community Development
Develops social policies and provides services for family, youth, elderly, and people of determination.
Emirates News Agency
The official news agency of the UAE, disseminating local and international news.
Emirate Authorities
Local government institutions serving individual emirates
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters
The law enforcement agency maintaining public order, safety, and security within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
The independent judicial authority in Abu Dhabi, overseeing courts, prosecution, and legal affairs.
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
The regulatory body for the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, ensuring quality and accessibility of health services.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Responsible for promoting and developing Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage and tourism sector.
Abu Dhabi Department of Energy
Regulates the energy sector in Abu Dhabi, ensuring security of supply and sustainable development.
Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
Ensures food safety and promotes sustainable agriculture and animal wealth in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Global Market
An international financial free zone and regulatory body in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai
Department of Economy and Tourism
The organization dedicated to representing and supporting the business and tourism community in Dubai.
Roads & Transport Authority
The governmental body responsible for overseeing and regulating the transportation system in Dubai.
Dubai Police General Headquarters
The law enforcement agency maintaining public order, safety, and security within the Emirate of Dubai.
Dubai Health Authority
The governmental body responsible for overseeing and regulating the healthcare system in Dubai.
Dubai Municipality
The principal governmental body responsible for the governance and urban development of Dubai.
Dubai Land Department
The governmental department regulating and managing the real estate sector in Dubai.
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai
The authority in Dubai responsible for managing all aspects of residency and immigration.
AMER Services
A service of GDRFA Dubai providing a unified platform for residency and immigration related services.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
The public utility provider of electricity and water services in Dubai.
Dubai Courts
The judicial body in Dubai, responsible for administering justice and resolving legal disputes.
Dubai Financial Services Authority
The independent regulator of financial services conducted in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Community Development Authority Dubai
Develops and regulates social care and human rights services in Dubai.
Sharjah
Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority
The governmental entity overseeing and developing transportation infrastructure and services in Sharjah.
Sharjah Economic Development Department
The governmental department fostering economic growth and diversification in Sharjah.
Sharjah City Municipality
The principal governmental body responsible for urban planning and development within Sharjah City.
Sharjah Police General Headquarters
The law enforcement agency maintaining public order, safety, and security within the Emirate of Sharjah.
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
An organization supporting the business community in Sharjah and fostering a favorable business environment.
Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority
The utility provider responsible for electricity, water, and gas services in the Emirate of Sharjah.
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Sharjah
Manages residency and immigration affairs for the Emirate of Sharjah.
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority
Drives economic and social development through investment in tourism, real estate, and other sectors in Sharjah.
Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority
Protects the environment, preserves biodiversity, and manages nature reserves in Sharjah.
Ajman
Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman
Responsible for urban planning, infrastructure development, and municipal services in Ajman.
Ajman Department of Economic Development
Drives economic growth, business development, and investment in the Emirate of Ajman.
Ajman Police General Headquarters
The primary law enforcement agency ensuring security and safety within the Emirate of Ajman.
Ajman Free Zone
One of the oldest free zones in the UAE, offering attractive incentives for businesses and investors.
Ajman Public Transport Authority
Manages and regulates public transport services and traffic in Ajman.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
Responsible for municipal services, urban planning, and environmental protection in Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters
Ensures security, traffic safety, and law enforcement throughout the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
A leading business and industrial hub facilitating company formation and business growth in RAK.
Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development
Responsible for economic development, business licensing, and consumer protection in RAK.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Develops and promotes the tourism sector of Ras Al Khaimah on a local and international level.
Ras Al Khaimah Courts
The judicial system in Ras Al Khaimah, administering justice across civil, criminal, and Sharia courts.
Ras Al Khaimah Customs Department
Manages customs operations, duties, and trade facilitation at RAK’s borders and ports.
Fujairah
Fujairah Municipality
Provides essential municipal services and oversees urban planning in the Emirate of Fujairah.
Fujairah Police General Headquarters
The law enforcement agency dedicated to maintaining security and public order in Fujairah.
Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation
Manages and develops natural resources, including mining and quarrying, in Fujairah.
Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Supports the business community and promotes economic development in Fujairah.
Fujairah Port Authority
Manages and operates the Port of Fujairah, a crucial hub for maritime trade and bunkering.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain Municipality
Manages urban development, public health, and general municipal services in Umm Al Quwain.
Umm Al Quwain Department of Economic Development
Responsible for promoting investment, regulating commercial activities, and fostering economic growth.
Umm Al Quwain Police General Headquarters
The primary law enforcement agency for maintaining security and order in Umm Al Quwain.
Umm Al Quwain Tourism & Archeology Department
Develops and promotes tourism, and preserves the cultural heritage and archaeological sites in UAQ.
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone
Offers business setup and licensing services for companies seeking to operate in a tax-free environment in UAQ.
About UAE Government Structure
Federal Government System
The UAE has a federal government system, combining monarchy and representative elements, based on its constitution. The Federal Supreme Council (FSC), comprised of the seven emirate rulers, is the highest authority, electing the President and ratifying laws. The President is head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers (cabinet). The Federal National Council (FNC) is a consultative body. An independent federal judiciary exists. Each emirate also has its own local government with considerable autonomy. Rulers are hereditary, decision-making is often consensus-based, and Islamic principles influence legislation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), also known as the Emirates, is a dynamic nation located in West Asia, at the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. This federation of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital, boasts a rich history intertwined with modern marvels. Sharing borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia, and maritime boundaries with Qatar, Iran, and Oman, the UAE’s strategic location has made it a crucial hub for trade and culture.
