(since 2 December 1971), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) (since
6 August 1966) and Vice President MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum (since
8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy (Dubai) note: there is also a Federal
Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the seven emirate rulers; the FSC is
the highest constitutional authority in the UAE; establishes general
policies and sanctions federal legislation; meets four times a year;
Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power
head of government: Prime Minister MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum (since 8
October 1990), ruler of Dubayy (Dubai); Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN bin
Zayid Al Nuhayyan (since 20 November 1990) cabinet: Council of Ministers
appointed by the president elections: president and vice president elected
by the FSC (a group of seven electors) for five-year terms; election
last held 2 December 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); prime minister
and deputy prime minister appointed by the president election results:
ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan reelected president; percent of FSC vote -
NA%, but believed to be unanimous; MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum elected
vice president; percent of FSC vote - NA%, but believed to be unanimous

Legislative branch: unicameral Federal National Council or Majlis
al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; members appointed by the rulers of
the constituent states to serve two-year terms) elections: none note:
reviews legislation, but cannot change or veto

Judicial branch: Union Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the
president)

Political parties and leaders: none

Political pressure groups and leaders: NA

International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU,
CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC,
OIC, OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Asri Said Ahmad al-DHAHIRI FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432 telephone: [1] (202)
243-2400 chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20037

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Marcelle M. WAHBA (since 4 Oct. 2001) embassy: Al-Sudan Street, Abu Dhabi
mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi; American Embassy Abu Dhabi,
Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-6010 (pouch); note - work week
is Saturday through Wednesday telephone: [971] (2) 44366