Fujairah

Power is ultimately held by the ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, who has been in power since the death of his father in 1974. The Sheikh supposedly makes his own money by doing business, and the government funds are used for social housing development and beautifying the city, though there is little distinction between the state and his personal wealth. Any decisions regarding any aspect of law can be made by the ruler, although Federal laws are never repealed. But, it must be stressed that the ruler of the Emirate can choose to operate in a completely autonomous fashion.

The Cabinet of Fujairah is headed by the Sheikh and his immediate family, with a few members of respected local families making up the advisory committees. Any Cabinet decisions must be ratified by the Sheikh himself, after which they may be enacted into law as Emiri Decrees. Emiri Decrees are usually effective immediately, and without proper public consultation processes, can sometimes be confusing, causing not inconsiderable consternation amongst the inhabitants of the city.