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The United Arab Emirates is a Federal, independent and sovereign state, referred to hereafter in this Constitution as the Federation. The Federation is composed of the following Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujaira, Ras Al-Khaimah*. * The words “Ras Al-Khaimah” were added by decision of the Federal Supreme Council 2/1972 after Ras Al-Khaimah Emirate and the territories attached to it joined the UAE. The previous text reads as follows “Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah”. Any other independent Arab state may join the Federation after securing the approval of the Federation Supreme Council by unanimous vote. Upon acceptance of a new member in the Federation, the Federation Supreme Council shall determine the number of seats reserved for such member in the Federated National Council in addition to the number provided for in Article (68) of this Constitution.* * This paragraph was added by the Constitutional Amendment No. (1) dated 01/02/1972.