UAE Government Structure & Authorities
UAE Federal Structure
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each emirate has its own local government, while federal authorities govern matters of national importance.
Federal Authorities
1. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE): Regulates employment relations, issues work permits, manages labor disputes, oversees WPS, handles labor inspection.
2. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): Manages Emirates ID, entry permits, residency visas at federal level, border control, customs.
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): Document attestation, diplomatic missions, consular services.
4. Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP): Medical fitness tests, healthcare regulation.
5. Ministry of Economy: Commercial registration (federal), intellectual property, consumer protection.
6. Ministry of Justice: Notary services, legal affairs, judicial system.
7. Federal Tax Authority (FTA): VAT and Corporate Tax registration and filing.
8. General Authority for Pensions and Social Security: Pension schemes for UAE nationals.
Emirate-Level Authorities
Dubai: GDRFA (immigration), Dubai Economy (DED), Dubai Municipality, DHA (health), RTA (transport), Dubai Courts, RERA (real estate).
Abu Dhabi: Department of Health (DOH), Abu Dhabi DED, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, ADDC.
Sharjah: Sharjah DED, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Courts, Sharjah Healthcare City.
Free Zone Authorities
Each free zone has its own authority that handles: Trade licensing within the free zone, visa processing (often independently or via partner authorities), labor matters (within the free zone), compliance and inspections.
Key Digital Platforms
MoHRE Platform: Work permits, labor contracts, WPS, labor disputes.
ICP Platform (u.ae): Emirates ID, entry permits, residency.
GDRFA (Dubai): Visa and immigration services in Dubai.
DubaiNow: Unified government services app.
TAMM (Abu Dhabi): Unified government services portal.
UAE PASS: National digital identity and single sign-on.
Interaction Between Federal and Local Authorities
Some services are exclusively federal (Emirates ID, federal immigration). Some are exclusively local (DED licensing, municipality). Some overlap (health, labor in free zones). PROs must understand which authority handles each transaction to avoid delays.
PRO's Relationship with Authorities
PROs build relationships with government officials. They understand the specific requirements of each authority. They maintain updated knowledge of regulations and procedures. They ensure timely and accurate submissions. They handle follow-ups and inquiries.