The Rulers of UAE
- The political system of UAE is a framework of federal, presidential, absolute monarchy
- Each emirate of UAE is ruled by a distinct royal family – Al Nahyan, Al Maktoum/Adan, Al Qasimi, Al Nuaimi, Al Mu’alla and Al Sharqi
- The most important persons in the UAE government are Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai
- The seven Emirs (rulers) of the seven emirates of UAE together make up the Federal Supreme Council of UAE
- UAE is a constitutional federation of seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain
- UAE was formed on 2nd December, 1971, by the joining of six emirates excluding Ras Al Khaimah, which joined the Union on 10th February, 1972
- The Federal Supreme Council is the highest constitutional authority in UAE, being the highest legislative and executive body
- Unofficiallly, the Presidency goes to the Al Nahyan clan of Abu Dhabi and the Vice-Presidency (and de facto the Prime Minister post) is hereditary to the Al Maktoum clan of Dubai
- The late head of the Al Nahyan family, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was the Founding Father of UAE and the first President of the federation for nearly 33 years
