Trucial States

Records of the area where the Emirate and city of Dubai is situated are very rare for any period before the 18th century. The earliest written record of “Al Wasl” (Dubai’s old Arabic name, meaning, ‘a connection’) is accredited to Muhammad al-Idrisi, a geographer and cartographer, of Syrian origin, who served in the Court of “King Roger II” or “Roger the Great”, King of Sicily and Africa, at Palermo, who mapped the coast of the "Trucial States".

The 'Trucial States' (Arabic: Al-Imarat al-Mutasaliha “The Reconciled States”), also known as the “Trucial Coast; Sheikhdoms; Arabia, or Oman” was a group of Tribal confederations to the south of the Persian Gulf whose leaders had signed protective treaties, or truces, with the 'United Kingdom' (UK) between 1820 and 1892.

They remained an informal UK protectorate until the treaties were revoked on 1 December 1971. On the following day, six of the 'Sheikhdoms' (“Dubai; Abu Dhabi; Sharjah; Ajman; Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah”) founded the ‘United Arab Emirates’ (UAE); the seventh, “Ras Al Khaimah” joined on 10 February 1972.

The UAE is a Federation of seven Emirates (equivalent to Principalities), each ruled by a hereditary 'Emir' (Prince), and elects one of its members in the spirit of an elective Monarchy to be the President of the Federation.

Emir, is a typically used title by a military commander and/or absolute Ruler in the Arabian Peninsula within the 'Tribes of Arabia'. From a historical point of view, an Emirate is a political-religious form of Government smaller than a Caliphate.

In Modern Era, when applied as a formal Monarchical title, it is synonymous with a Princely designation, applicable to both son of a hereditary Monarch, and to a reigning Monarch of a sovereign Emirate.

In Modern UAE however, none of the Rulers of the constituent States is called Emir; all are 'Sheikhs', as the UAE is a Monarchy made-of hereditary Sheikhdoms (Tribal-styled governments).

Sheikh is often used as a Monarch title. Emirs of the Arabian Peninsula often use the title of 'Sheikh' in lieu, for the designation has become a traditional title of a Bedouin Tribal leader in recent centuries, as do other members of their extended family. The title is typically preceded by the possessive adjective His/Her Highness (H.H.).

1. H. H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the current President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
2. H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.
3. H. H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, is the Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah.
4. H. H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami, is the Ruler of the Emirate of Ajman.
5. H. H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, is the Ruler of the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain.
6. H. H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, is the current Ruler of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
7. H. H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, is the Ruler of the Emirate of Fujairah.

Sultan; Sheikh; Shah, and King, are all titles used to refer to Monarchs or Rulers of different Near East regions and cultures, for instance:

• Sultan, is a title used in Muslim countries, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, to refer to a Monarch or Ruler, that holds absolute power.
• Sheikh, is a title used in Arab countries to refer to a family elder; leader; Lord, or Ruler of a Tribe; protectorate, or dominion. It can also be used to refer to a religious leader or scholar. Generally it's an inherited title. Bear in mind that Sheikhs don't have to be a Muslim, but must be an Arab.
• Shah, is a title used in Iran and Persian-speaking regions to refer to a King or Emperor.
• King, is a title used in many countries to refer to a Monarch who holds supreme power over a Realm, and/or Commonwealth.

The Dynasties of the UAE consist of six Ruling families over seven Emirates.

1. Al Nahyan, (branch of the “House of Al Falahi”) are the Ruling family of Abu Dhabi.
2. Al Maktoum, (branch of the “House of Al Falasi”) are the Ruling family of Dubai.
3. Al Qasimi, (also spelled Al Qassimi) are the Ruling family(ies) of two Emirates, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
4. Al Nuaimi, are the Ruling family of Ajman.
5. Al Mualla, are the Ruling family of Umm Al Quwain.
6. Al Sharqi, are the Ruling family of Fujairah.

The official 2024 demographics of the UAE stand at 9,591,853, with nationals making-up a mere 11%, while expatriates 89%...

Food for thought