It is governed by a Federal Supreme Council made up of the ruling Sheikhs of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain. All responsibilities not granted to the national government are reserved to the individual emirate.

This question contains a common misconception: there are actually seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2026, not nine. These are Abu Dhabi (the capital and largest), Dubai (the global business hub), Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. The confusion often arises from the "Trucial States" history or the fact that Qatar and Bahrain were originally intended to join the federation in the late 1960s. When the union was finalized in 1971–1972, those two states chose to become independent nations instead. In 2026, each of the seven emirates retains its own local ruler and specific laws, while functioning under a unified federal government. Abu Dhabi remains the wealthiest due to its oil reserves, while Dubai leads in tourism and trade. Together, these seven emirates have transformed from a collection of small coastal settlements into one of the most technologically advanced and influential regions in the modern world.