Supreme Council Members

The Federal Supreme Council is the highest constitutional authority in the United Arab Emirates . It is also the highest legislative and executive authority. It is also the council that draws up the general policies and approves the various federal legislations.

The Federal Supreme Council consists of the rulers of the seven emirates that constitute the union or their deputies in case of rulers' absence or unavailability. Each Emirate has one single vote in the council resolutions and deliberations.

H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as second President of the United Arab Emirates , the state that was announced on the 2nd of December 1971 . He is also the sixteenth ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi , the largest of the seven emirates forming the Union . His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan came to be president of the federal state , and became the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the 3rd of November 2004 , succeeding to his father , Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan , who passed away on the 2nd of November 2004.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa was born in 1948 , in the eastern region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi , and received his basic education in the city of Al Ain , the capital and the administrative center of the eastern region . His Highness is the elder son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan . His mother is Her Highness Sheikha Hessa , daughter of Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , and H.H’s affiliation returns to his tribe , Bani Yas , the mother Tribe of most of the Arab tribes , which inhabited what is today known as the United Arab Emirates , and led an alliance of Arab tribes , known historically as the "Pact of Bani Yas" . His Highness Sheikh khalifa has accompanied his father Sheikh Zayed’s march in all its stages . His first official position was "the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region and Chairman of the courts" , on September 18th 1966 . This position was of great importance in his life . On the other hand , when he lived in Al-Ain city , H.H. had the opportunity for a daily contact with the citizens , so that he could recognize their situations and needs , and identify their aspirations and hopes . His Highness Sheikh Khalifa was appointed Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi on the first of February 1969 , and Head of the Defense Department , and therefore he became the commander of the armed forces of the emirate , and played a key role in its development , and converted it from a simple guard force to a strong multifunctional and well-equipped institution of the armed forces . On the first of July 1971 , His Highness Sheikh Khalifa became the prime minister of the first Local Cabinet in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi , in addition to holding the Defense and Finance ministries in the Council . After the announcement of the Federal State , and beside his local responsibilities , His Highness Sheikh Khalifa became Deputy Prime Minister in the Federal Government formed in December 1973 . In February 1974 , after the abolition of the local cabinet , he became the first Head of the Executive Council , which replaced the local cabinet of the emirate in all its functions and responsibilities . During his presidency of the Executive Council he supervised and watched the development and modernization projects all over the emirate , he also gave a great attention to the development and modernization of the infrastructure projects , facilities and services . He worked on building a modern and integrated administrative and legislative system , as a base for the economic and social development . In addition to his responsibilities as the head of the Executive Council , His Highness took in 1976 the mission of establishing and heading The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) , which manages the financial investments of the emirate as a part of a strategic vision for the development of financial resources , and to maintain a stable source of income for future generations . One of the key initiatives of His Highness that has left a profound social impact , was the creation of the Department of Social Services and commercial buildings , which was known among people as (Sheikh Khalifa Committee) . the activities of this department were translated into real actions and helped in the prosperity of the construction boom in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi . His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed occupied the position of the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Federal Government , in which he gave a careful attention and a growing interest in the armed forces , and during which , there had been a quantum leap in terms of equipment , training and capacity to adapt new technologies , and advanced techniques , that HIS Highness was strongly aware to provide , in all sectors of these forces . It is highly appreciated , for His Highness , his contribution in the formulation of a military doctrine , derived from the constant beliefs of the high politics of the state, based on the policy of moderation , and non-interference in the affairs of others , and on the respect of mutual interests . Abiding by these constants , His Highness worked on the formation of a defense policy that is based on the maintenance of independence , sovereignty and interests of the state . This policy has contributed in positioning the UAE Armed Forces in an advanced position , that gained the respect of the world . As soon as His Highness became the president of the UAE , he launched the first strategic plan for the Government of the United Arab Emirates . He also launched his initiative to develop the experience of the legislative authority , by modifying the way of selecting the members of the Federal National Council , through a combination of election and appointment as a first step , preparing for the ultimate selection of the Council members through direct elections . His Highness cares also about various sports activities in the State , especially football , and he is keen to look after them . He also cares to honor the local sports teams who have made contributions locally , regionally or internationally. H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum A member of the Ruling Family and the successor of his brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum . His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the 3rd among four siblings of the Al Maktoum family . Raised in closed family ties , Sheikh Mohammed had gained extensive education from his father’s direction , through attendance of “majalis” , (plural of Majlis , which means audience or gathering” and through the institutionalized formal education fin reputed schools . Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum learned various skills and activities , that were critically important , when he occupied his office and assumed his responsibilities as ruler. He also studied various cultures and learned from his classmates’ cultural background , a fact that enriched his historical knowledge and orientation , while maintaining his advocacy in promoting his Arab roots . Equipped with such a rich cultural and practical academic training , Sheikh Mohammed assumed his post as Dubai’s ruler succeeding to his brother on January 4th 2006 . The next day , Sheikh Mohammed was elected as UAE’s Vice President , and on February 11th of the same year , he was nominated as UAE’s Prime Minister by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan along with the whole Council. He spearheaded various plans and projects that are aimed at promoting the country’s sustainable development , and elevating the economic status of the country through commercial investing , as well as maintaining transparency of policies and diligent effort in promoting accountability , both in the private and public sectors . To translate his vision into reality , His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled the UAE’s Government Strategy Plan, that is heavily focused on efficient investment and utilization of the federal resources . On May 19th 2007 , he introduced and launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation , that is built to promote the individual welfare and the development in the fields of education , leadership , scientific research and projects , youth empowerment and preservation of cultural heritage . H.H Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi H.H Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qassimi was born on July 6th 1939 . He became ruler of Sharjah on January 25th 1972 , and herewith member of UAE Supreme Council. He is well known for his passion for scientific research and his encouragement for scientists , as well as his personal supervision of educational affairs in Sharjah . His Highness was raised on the love of education and knowledge , and was zealous about the history of his country. He is an advocate of literature , culture and arts , which is clearly reflected on his Emirate , which is full of cultural and educational centers , that promote various social , cultural and scientific research activities , aimed to boost the country’s reputation on the international scale . His Highness has achieved the highest level of education , being awarded the Doctorate of Philosophy(PhD). His Highness also holds professional posts such as follows : Chairman and member of the University of Sharjah Board of Trustees Supreme President of the University of Sharjah President of the American University of Sharjah In 2000 he was chosen Honorary President of the Arab Association of Science and Technology .

H.H Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami

H.H Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami was born 1931 . He is the ruler of the Emirate Ajman and member of the UAE Supreme Council . He is the 10th ruler of the Emirate Ajman . H.H Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami succeeded to his late father Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi on September 6th 1981 . He was the deputy ruler since 1960 . He received his early education in Dubai in 1940 , then went to Cairo , Egypt , to continue his higher education . Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami became involved in the political affairs of the Emirate and became deputy ruler .

H.H Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qassimi , ruler of the Emirate Ras Al Khaimah. He was raised and received his early education in Ras Al Khaimah , until he graduated from high school , then went to USA to continue his higher education . He joined the University of Michigan , where he studied Economics and Political Science . After finishing his higher education in 1979 , he returned to the UAE and was appointed chief of Ras Al Khaimah Royal Court (Al Diwan Al Amiri) . In 1986 , His Highness was appointed Chairman of of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council . He also chaired many boards of companies.

His father , Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad al-Qassimi appointed him as Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Shortly after becoming Deputy Ruler in 2005 , he established Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority to implement , develop and manage the infrastructure . He ruled the Emirate Ras Al Khaimah since October 27th 2010 , after the demise of his father Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad al-Qassimi , and became member of the Supreme Council of the Union . H.H Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla H.H Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla was born on October 1st 1952 . He became ruler of the Emirate Umm Al Quwain after the demise of his father Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmad Al Mualla on 2nd of January 2009 , and became member of the Supreme Council of the Union . He received his early education in Umm Al Quwain and his high school education in Lebanon ; then finished his higher education in Economics from the University of Cairo in 1974. He was appointed third secretary in the UAE Foreign Ministry in 1973 , and was Commander of Umm Al Quwain National Guard with the rank of Colonel . In 1979 he headed Umm Al Quwain Royal Court (Al Diwan Al Amiri) . Then on the 22nd of June 1982 his father Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla assigned him as Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain. He assisted his father in managing the Emirate’s affairs , oversaw many investment projects and established numerous government entities and local enterprises H.H Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi H.H Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi , ruler of Emirate Fujairah since 1974 and member of the Supreme Council of the Union . He was born in the Emirate of Fujairah on the 22nd of February 1949 and finished his early education there ; then he travelled to the United Kingdom to complete his studies in the Military Academy . After that , he came back to the UAE in 1971 to support his father as Deputy Ruler of the Emirate of Fujairah. In 1971, after the proclamation of the union , he served as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries . In 1974 and after his father’s demise , he became the Ruler of the Emirate of Fujairah , when he was only 25 years old . In his era the Emirate of Fujairah witnessed a significant development in the fields of health , education and construction , and became an important destination of tourism .