Political legitimacy in the United Arab Emirates : foundations and development of a successful model / Sultan Mohammed Al-Nuaimi

Includes bibliographical references (pages 89-96)

Includes author biography (pages 99-100)

Introduction -- Chapter 1: The Tribe, Authority and State -- The Concept of Tribe -- Tribe and Authority -- Tribe and State -- Chapter 2: From Tribal Federalism to the Nation-State -- Contemporary Tribalism -- Tribal Federalism in the UAE -- Consultation and Consensus – Chapter 3: Tribe and Legitimacy.. -- Concepts of Legitimacy -- Output vs Input Legitimacy -- Output Legitimacy in the UAE Context -- Social and Economic Development -- Political Development Strategies -- Political Legitimacy and Unification -- A Consultative Approach -- Political Engagement in the UAE – Conclusion – Bibliography -- About the Author.

Political legitimacy in the UAE is deeply rooted, reinforced by a rich cultural heritage, longstanding traditions, a centuries-old tribal framework and loyalty to the state and its leaders. This consensus-based legitimacy, founded on Emirati family ties, clans, tribes and tribal alliances, underpins a smooth and sustainable transfer of power from one generation to the next. It also forms the cornerstone of a socio-political system tailored to the UAE's identity and history, which advances the wellbeing of citizens and offers a model for nations with similar characteristics. The book begins by engaging with key concepts to provide a comprehensive understanding of legitimacy from both theoretical and practical perspectives, while retaining a focus on the Emirati context. The first chapter examines tribal ties, delving into the historical relationship to authority within Arab and Emirati tribal structures, before examining political development and the interplay between the tribe and modern state. The second chapter moves on to a discussion of contemporary tribalism, highlighting the successful evolution of tribal federalism in the UAE. The third chapter focuses on tribal forms of legitimacy and their incorporation within state legitimacy, which has been consolidated through continued achievement, social and economic progress, and political development. Together, these elements constitute a distinctive political model in the UAE, blending traditional values with contemporary governance to ensure lasting political legitimacy and progress for generations to come.