2. Legislative Procedures 

The 1971 Constitution agreed by the Rulers of the Emirates provided that the Supreme Council of Rulers shall be the highest legislative authority in the UAE. The Constitution also provides for the establishment of a National Assembly whose members are appointed by the Emirates. Federal laws are promulgated by the Supreme Council of Rules approving laws presented by Federal Council of Ministers and the national Assembly. While the legislation of laws on substantive matters is reserved to the Federal Government which had in the past few years taken significant  steps to regulate corporate and commercial matters, local authorities in the different Emirates are authorised to issue Decrees regulating local matters. 

Main corporate and commercial laws 
Labour Law No. 8 of 1980.
Commercial Agencies Law No. 18 of 1981 (as amended).
Maritime Law No. 26 of 1981.
Commercial Companies Law No. 8 of 1984 (as amended).
Civil Transactions Law (the Civil Code) No. 5 of 1985
Trade Marks Law No. 37 of 1992
Commercial Transaction Law No. 18 of 1993.