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 presidents are de jure elected every five years by the Federal Supreme Council, and the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates is de jure appointed by the president. 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. The United Arab Emirates is the only presidential monarchy in the world.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was widely credited with unifying the seven emirates into one federal state. He was the UAE's first president from the formation of the UAE until his death on 2 November 2004. He was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who died in office on 13 May 2022. 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.
Election and term
The president and vice president are elected every five years by the Federal Supreme Council. The FSC, which is the highest constitutional body in the UAE, consists of all seven emirates. The FSC meets every five years and either reaffirms the existing president or elect a new one. The rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai must be among the five required votes, giving the two largest emirates an effective veto power. The term is five years according to the Gregorian calendar, and they are eligible to be re-elected for the same office. If either offices of the president or vice-president become vacant due to death, resignation, or other circumstances, the FSC is required to meet within a month and elect a successor for the remainder of the term.Constitutional roles and powers
The President serves as the head of state. The president's primary role includes overseeing the execution of policy and law. The president is also the commander-in-chief of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces. The prime minister of the United Arab Emirates is appointed by the presidentList of officeholders (1971–present)
Presidential standard
The presidential standard is a special version of the UAE flag reserved for the head of state. It is distinct from the original national flag and is regulated by federal protocol. This flag is exclusive to the president and cannot be raised by other federal or private entities.Similar to the national flag, the green color is associated with growth and prosperity, white symbolizes peace and generosity, black symbolizes strength and resilience, and red with sacrifice and unity.
The emblem on the presidential standard shows a golden falcon with outstretched wings holding a parchment that had the state’s name in Arabic, with a circular shield on its chest that reproduces the UAE flag surrounded by seven stars. The falcon is a long‑standing symbol of strength and heritage in the Gulf, while the seven stars represent the seven emirates.