- Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and is the largest emirate by area, and second largest by population after Dubai; accounting for approximately 86% of the total land of the UAE. Its emir is Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
It is known for its highest share of oil production and economic decisions.
- Dubai is regarded as the Centre of finance, commerce and tourism. Today, Dubai has emerged as a cosmopolitan metropolis that has grown steadily to become a global city and a business and cultural hub of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region. As of 2012, Dubai is the 22nd most expensive city in the world, and the most expensive city in the Middle East. Dubai has also been rated as one of the best places to live in the Middle East, including by US American global consulting firm Mercer who rated the city as the best place to live in the Middle East in 2011. Its ruler is Mohammed bin Rashid AL Maktoum and its crown prince is Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
- Sharja is a constitutional monarchy of the Al Qasimi dynasty. It has been ruled by Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi since 1972.
- Ras Al Khaima is ruled by the Emir Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and its crown prince is Mohammed bin Saud al Qasimi . Not being a producer of oil, Ras al Khaima has focused on developing its industrial sector. Today, the emirate is home to many national institutions, government agencies, and international companies. The emirate is rapidly emerging as an investment destination.
- Fujaira is ruled by Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi and its crown prince is Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi.
- Umm Al Kaiwan is ruled by Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mu’alla
- Ajman is ruled by Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of the Al Nuaimi tribe. The Crown Prince of the Emirate is Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. Ajman