[3] De facto, the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi holds the presidency and the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai holds the premiership.

The president is also the commander-in-chief of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was widely credited with unifying the seven emirates into one federal state.

He was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who died in office on 13 May 2022.

[4] Following his brother Khalifa's death, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected the third and current president of the UAE by the Federal Supreme Council on 14 May 2022.