President of the United Arab Emirates


The President of the United Arab Emirates, or the Raʾīs, is the head of state of the United Arab Emirates. The President and Vice-President are elected every 5 years by the Federal Supreme Council; while the Prime Minister is formally appointed by the President, every UAE Vice-President simultaneously serves as Prime Minister as well. Usually, a sheikh from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi holds the presidency, and a sheikh from the Emirate of Dubai the premiership. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the UAE's founding father and widely accredited for unifying the seven emirates into one country. He was the UAE's first President, from the nation's founding until his death on 2 November 2004. On the following day the Federal Supreme Council elected his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the post. The President is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UAE Armed Forces.
The current President is Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Khalifa became president on 3 November 2004, following the death of his father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Presidents of the United Arab Emirates (1971–present)

Insignia