STATE STRUCTURE
General Information
Official name – United Arab Emirates.
Form of government – federal monarchy.
President (2025) – Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
State language – Arabic.
Capital – Abu Dhabi.
The state is a federation of seven emirates, each of which is an absolute monarchy. The highest body of state power is the Supreme Federal Council, which includes the rulers of the seven emirates. The President is elected by the council members for a five-year term.
Foundation Period
The territory of the modern UAE was originally inhabited by nomadic tribes originating from the central part of the Arabian Peninsula. In the late 18th – early 19th cent., the lands of the region were divided among Arab tribes and tribal unions of sedentary and Bedouin types.
In 1820, Great Britain concluded an agreement on "perpetual peace" with the sheikhs of the leading tribes.
Under the Anglo-Turkish Convention of 1913, Great Britain obtained the exclusive right to the Trucial Oman. In 1922, its right to control the distribution of concessions for oil exploration and production was secured. In 1937, British oil companies received concessions in Dubai and Sharjah, in 1938 – in Ras Al Khaimah, in 1939 – in Abu Dhabi and Ajman.
During the Second World War, the emirates of the Trucial Oman maintained neutrality. At the same time, anti-colonial sentiments intensified. After the war, Great Britain took steps to integrate the emirates. In 1965, a meeting of the rulers of the seven emirates was held in Dubai, and a decision was made to create the Council for Economic Development.
In 1968, Great Britain announced the withdrawal of troops from the Persian Gulf region by 1971 and the transfer of power to local rulers. On December 2, 1971, the creation of the United Arab Emirates, which included six emirates, was proclaimed in Dubai. In February 1972, the seventh emirate – Ras Al Khaimah – joined the federation.
Heads of State
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – held the position of President from 1971 to 2004. During his leadership, the foundations of the federal system were laid, the development of oil resources began, and large-scale projects for the development of infrastructure and the social sphere were implemented.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – held the position of President from 2004 to 2022. During his leadership, strategies for economic diversification, development of the space industry, and strengthening of the state's international positions were implemented.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – has held the post of President from May 2022 to the present. Under his leadership, results have been achieved in the field of international politics, the implementation of the economic diversification strategy continues, an investment incentive program has been launched, and the development of the country's space program continues.
Administrative Division
The state is a federation of seven emirates. Each emirate has its own government and subordinate local authorities.
- Abu Dhabi – capital – Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai – capital – Dubai.
- Sharjah – capital – Sharjah.
- Ajman – capital – Ajman.
- Umm Al Quwain – capital – Umm Al Quwain.
- Fujairah – capital – Fujairah.
- Ras Al Khaimah – capital – Ras Al Khaimah.
The greatest powers within the federation are concentrated with the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The administrative center of the country is Abu Dhabi.