7 Emirates, 7 Thrones: A look inside the ruling families of UAE. world News

TL; Dr.The UAE is made of seven Emirates, each ruled by a royal family.The six dynasties rule the seven Emirates (Sharjah and Ras al Khamah Shared Ek).The ruling the highest rights of the UAE, sit on the Federal Supreme Council.The United Arab Emirates is composed of seven Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quaven, Raas Al Khamah and Phujarah. Each has its own royal family and its own history. The one who binds them is the Sangh he created in 1971.This union was not just political, it was built on faith among the ruling families. While each Emirates controls its own internal affairs, they together come together to get rich in the country. These rulers build the top leadership of the UAE and work closely on everything from defense to national development.But in the headlines and government meetings are real people, leaders, parents, poets, scholars. UAE royal families are not just figures. They shape their Emirates and lift the weighing of centuries of tradition. Take a look at who they are:

His His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan / Image: Mohammadbinzyed.AE / Wikipedia
1. Al Nayan dynasty : Abu Dhabi
- The capital of UAE, Emirates
- Tribe: Bani Yas (Al Falahi’s house)
- Current ruler: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Role: President of United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital and the largest Emirates. It keeps most of the oil and money of the UAE. The Al Nahyan family has ruled here since the 1800s. Sheikh Mohammed, who is widely known as MBZ, is the President of the UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi. He is known for being quiet, strategic and forward looking. She is married to Shekha Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan. They have nine children. His son, Sheikh Khalid, was named Crown Prince in 2023.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktaum/ Image: Wikipedia, Instagram
2. Dubai, The Al Maktaum Dynasty
- Global City, Economic Powerhouse
- Tribe: Bani Yas (Al Falasi’s house)
- Current ruler: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum
- Role: vice -president and Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the most famous Emirates of UAE. It is a global center for tourism, trade and finance. The Al Maktaum family has ruled here since 1833. Sheikh Mohammed is the ruler and also serves as the vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE. He is known for the construction of the modern horizon of Dubai, including Burj Khalifa and Palm Island. Many of his wives have 26 children. His son, Sheikh Hamdan, known as popularly, is Crown Prince. He loved his poetry, adventure lifestyle and leadership on the hands.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi / Image: Wikipedia, X
3. Sharjah, Al Kasimi Dynasty
- United Arab Emirates
- Tribe: Al Qasimi (claim of dynasty from Prophet Muhammad)
- Current ruler: Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad al Qasimi
- Role: Member of Federal Supreme Council
Sharjah is known for deep focus on culture, education and heritage. It was once an important port in the area. The Al Kasimi family has ruled Sharjah since the 1700s. Sheikh Sultan is a scholar, historian and writer. 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, Crown Prince.

Sheikh Saud bin Sakar al Kasimi/ Image: Wikipedia, X
4. Raas al Khamah, Al Kasimi Dynasty
- Mountains, history and industry
- Tribe: Al Qasimi
- Current ruler: Sheikh Saud bin Sakar al Qasimi
- Role: Member of Federal Supreme Council
Raas al Khamah sits on the northern tip of the UAE. It is known for its mountains and natural beauty. However, it shares the name of the same ruling family, as the branch of Sharjah, Raas al Khamah is different. Sheikh Saud became the ruler in 2010. He studied economics and politics and has worked to develop tourism and manufacturing. She is married to Shekha Hana Bint Zuma al -Majeed. They have six children. His sons, Sheikh Mohammed, are Crown Prince.

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Numi /Image: Wikipedia, X
5. Ajman, Al Numi Dynasty
- The smallest Emirates, the big cultural heart
- Tribe: Al Bu Khariban (Al Numi)
- Current ruler: Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Numimi
- Role: Member of Federal Supreme Council
Ajman can be the smallest Emirates, but it is rich in tradition. The Al Numi family ruled here since 1816. Sheikh Humaid became the ruler after his father’s death in 1981. He helped modernize the Emirates, keeping his cultural identity strong. His son, Sheikh Ammar bin Hospital, is Crown Prince. Public details about the wife of the ruler are limited.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharki / Image: Wikipedia
6. Fujarah, Al Sharki Dynasty
- Eastern coast, strong tribal roots
- Tribe: Sharakin
- Current ruler: Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharki
- Role: Member of Federal Supreme Council
Fujirah is the only Emirates with a beach in the Gulf of Oman. It is important for shipping and business. The Al Sharki family ruled here since the early 20th century. Sheikh Hamad has led the Emirates since 1974 and is credited for its steady increase. She is married to Shekha Fatima Bint Thani Al Maktaum to the royal family of Dubai. His sons, Sheikh Mohammed, are Crown Prince.

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mulla / Image: Instagram
7. Umm al Quaven, Al Mulla Dynasty
- Calm
- Tribe: Al Ali
- Current ruler: Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mulla
- Role: Member of Federal Supreme Council
Umm al Quaven is the second smallest Emirates, known for the peaceful way of life and fishing economy. The Al Mulla family comes from the Al Ali tribe and ruled since the 1700s. Sheikh Saud became ruler in 2009. He married Shekha Sumaya Bint Sakar al -Qasimi, the sister of the ruler of Ras Al Khamah. His sons, Sheikh Rashid, are Crown Prince.
How do the ruler work together
Each of the seven rulers sits on the Supreme Constitutional Authority of the UAE, the Federal Supreme Council. The group selects the President and Vice President of the UAE. Usually, Abu Dhabi’s ruler serves as the President, and as the ruler of Dubai as the vice -president and Prime Minister.Every five years, the council votes to confirm the leadership. But in practice, the balance is stable, which is created in years of consensus, diplomacy and shared goals. This keeps the Sangh strong.
Why do family relations still matter in UAE
UAE’s royal families are not only associated with politics. Many marriages and tribal are bound by history. These personal relations have helped the country to remain united.For example, the ruler of Fujirah is married to the al -Mattoom family in Dubai. The ruler of Umm al -Quavain is married to the sister of the ruler of Ras al Khamah. These marriages are beyond tradition, they strengthen cooperation in Emirates.Even today, these family connections still matter. They help with confidence, joint decisions and stability. When leaders know each other personally, it is easy to work as a nation. And it is important how UAE grows, faster, stable and together.
questions to ask
- Q1. Can ruler make laws for the entire UAE?
A1. He set national policies as a council. But each Emirates also makes its laws.
- Q2. Who becomes the next ruler?
A2. Usually, Crown Prince. They are selected early and trained from an early age.
- Q3. Is there an overlap between the royal families?
A3. Yes. Tribes and inter-marriage have associated them for centuries. It creates unity, but allows each emirate to its character.