7 Emirates, 7 Thrones: A look inside UAE's Ruling Families

TL;DR
The UAE is made up of seven emirates, each ruled by a royal family.
Six dynasties rule the seven emirates (Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah share one).
The rulers sit on the UAE’s highest authority, the Federal Supreme Council.

The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each has its own royal family and own history. What binds them is the union they formed in 1971.

That union wasn’t just political, it was built on trust between ruling families. While each emirate controls its own internal affairs, they come together to govern the country as a whole. These rulers form the UAE’s top leadership and work closely on everything from defense to national development.
But behind the headlines and the government meetings are real people, leaders, parents, poets, scholars. The UAE royal families aren’t just figureheads. They shape their emirates and carry the weight of centuries of tradition. Take a look at who they are:


1. The Al Nahyan Dynasty : Abu Dhabi
Capital of the UAE, Wealthiest Emirate
Tribe: Bani Yas (House of Al Falahi)
Current Ruler: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Role: President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest emirate. It holds most of the UAE’s oil and wealth. The Al Nahyan family has ruled here since the 1800s. Sheikh Mohamed, known widely as MBZ, is the President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi. He is known for being calm, strategic, and forward-looking. He’s married to Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan. They have nine children. His son, Sheikh Khaled, was named Crown Prince in 2023.



2. Dubai,The Al Maktoum Dynasty
Global City, Economic Powerhouse
Tribe: Bani Yas (House of Al Falasi)
Current Ruler: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Role: Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE

Dubai is the UAE’s best-known emirate. It’s a global hub for tourism, trade, and finance. The Al Maktoum family has ruled here since 1833. Sheikh Mohammed is the ruler and also serves as the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister. He’s known for building the modern skyline of Dubai, including Burj Khalifa and the Palm Islands. He has 26 children from several wives. His son, Sheikh Hamdan, popularly known as Fazza, is Crown Prince. He’s loved for his poetry, adventure lifestyle, and hands-on leadership.



3. Sharjah, The Al Qasimi Dynasty
Cultural Capital of the UAE
Tribe: Al Qasimi (claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad)
Current Ruler: Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
Role: Member of the Federal Supreme Council

Sharjah is known for its deep focus on culture, education, and heritage. It was once a key port in the region. The Al Qasimi family has ruled Sharjah since the 1700s. Sheikh Sultan is a scholar, historian, and author. He helped restore many historical sites and started several universities. He has two wives and six children. His son, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, is the Crown Prince.



4. Ras Al Khaimah,Also Al Qasimi Dynasty
Mountains, History, and Industry
Tribe: Al Qasimi
Current Ruler: Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi
Role: Member of the Federal Supreme Council

Ras Al Khaimah sits at the UAE’s northern tip. It’s known for its mountains and natural beauty. Though it shares the same ruling family name as Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah’s branch is separate. Sheikh Saud became ruler in 2010. He studied economics and politics and has worked to grow tourism and manufacturing. He’s married to Sheikha Hana bint Juma Al Majid. They have six children. His son, Sheikh Mohammed, is the Crown Prince.



5. Ajman, The Al Nuaimi Dynasty
Smallest Emirate, Big Cultural Heart
Tribe: Al Bu Kharaiban (Al Nuaimi)
Current Ruler: Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi
Role: Member of the Federal Supreme Council

Ajman may be the smallest emirate, but it’s rich in tradition. The Al Nuaimi family has ruled here since 1816. Sheikh Humaid became ruler in 1981 after his father passed away. He’s helped modernize the emirate while keeping its cultural identity strong. His son, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid, is Crown Prince. Public details about the ruler’s wife are limited.



6. Fujairah, The Al Sharqi Dynasty
Eastern Coast, Strong Tribal Roots
Tribe: Sharqiyin
Current Ruler: Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi
Role: Member of the Federal Supreme Council

Fujairah is the only emirate with a coastline on the Gulf of Oman. It’s important for shipping and trade. The Al Sharqi family has ruled here since the early 20th century. Sheikh Hamad has led the emirate since 1974 and is credited with its steady growth. He is married to Sheikha Fatima bint Thani Al Maktoum from Dubai’s royal family. His son, Sheikh Mohammed, is Crown Prince.



7. Umm Al Quwain, The Al Mualla Dynasty
Quiet Emirate, Rich Tribal History
Tribe: Al Ali
Current Ruler: Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla
Role: Member of the Federal Supreme Council

Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest emirate, known for its peaceful way of life and fishing economy. The Al Mualla family comes from the Al Ali tribe and has ruled since the 1700s. Sheikh Saud became ruler in 2009. He’s married to Sheikha Sumaya bint Saqr Al Qasimi, sister of the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Their son, Sheikh Rashid, is Crown Prince.

How the Rulers Work Together
Each of the seven rulers sits on the Federal Supreme Council, the UAE’s highest constitutional authority. This group elects the President and Vice President of the UAE. Typically, the ruler of Abu Dhabi serves as President, and the ruler of Dubai as Vice President and Prime Minister.

Every five years, the council votes to confirm the leadership. But in practice, the balance is stable, built on years of consensus, diplomacy, and shared goals. That’s what keeps the union strong.

Why Family Ties Still Matter in the UAE
The royal families of the UAE are not just connected by politics. Many are bound by marriage and tribal history. These personal ties have helped the country stay united.

For example, the ruler of Fujairah is married into Dubai’s Al Maktoum family. The ruler of Umm Al Quwain is married to the sister of Ras Al Khaimah’s ruler. These marriages go beyond tradition, they strengthen cooperation across emirates.

Even today, these family connections still matter. They help with trust, joint decisions, and stability. When the leaders know each other personally, it’s easier to work as one nation. And that’s been key to how the UAE has grown, fast, steady, and together.

FAQs

• Can rulers make laws for the whole UAE?

They set national policies as a council. But each emirate also creates its own local laws.

• Who becomes the next ruler?

Typically, the Crown Prince. These are chosen early and trained from a young age.

• Is there overlap between royal families?

Yes. Tribes and inter-marriage have linked them for centuries. That builds unity but allows each emirate its own character.