_#_Administrative divisions: 7 emirates (imarat, singular—imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, Ras al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn
_#_Independence: 2 December 1971 (from UK; formerly Trucial States)
_#_Constitution: 2 December 1971 (provisional)
_#_Legal system: secular codes are being introduced by the UAE Government and in several member shaykhdoms; Islamic law remains influential
_#_National holiday: National Day, 2 December (1971)
_#_Executive branch: president, vice president, Supreme Council of Rulers, prime minister, Council of Ministers
_#_Legislative branch: unicameral Federal National Council (Majlis Watani Itihad)
_#_Judicial branch: Union Supreme Court
_#_Leaders:
Chief of State—President Shaykh Zayid bin Sultan Al NUHAYYAN, (since 2 December 1971), ruler of Abu Dhabi; Vice President Shaykh Maktum bin Rashid al-MAKTUM (since 8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy;