Africa & Middle East · reference
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Federation of hereditary absolute monarchies
SystemFederation of hereditary absolute monarchies
Head of statePresident Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi
Head of governmentPrime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai
LegislatureFederal National Council · 40 members, half indirectly elected by a small appointed electorate, advisory only
ElectionsNo genuine national elections · a limited electoral college chooses half of an advisory council
Last election2023-10-07 · Federal National Council election
Next election2027 · Federal National Council election due
Seven emirates pool sovereignty under Abu Dhabi's lead, projecting power through ports, sovereign wealth, AI investment and an assertive foreign policy from Yemen to the Horn of Africa. UN experts have documented Emirati support to Sudan's RSF, which Abu Dhabi denies. Citizens are roughly a tenth of the population, governed through generous welfare and tight political control.
Live encyclopedic leader and election records · verified 2026-07-02
The Margin models elections where a competitive public record exists · all countries