Location Guide

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the hereditary ruler of Abu Dhabi (UAE). He is a son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates. His half-brother, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and wields considerable influence as Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council and Deputy Supreme Commander of Abu Dhabi's armed forces. View more about Abu Dhabi.

Dubai

Dubai is the second largest emirate and commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates. The capital of UAE is Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate; the other members of the federation in addition to Abu Dhabi and Dubai are Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. View more about Dubai.

Bahrain

Constitutional hereditary monarchy, of 12 municipalities all administered from the capital, Manama. Independence from the UK on 15 August 1971. Chief of State is King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 1971). The Monarchy is hereditary and the Prime Minister appointed by the Monarch. View more about Bahrain.

Qatar

Executive power is held exclusively by the Emir, a member of the Al-Thani family, which has ruled Qatar since independence. The Emir serves as both head of state and head of government. There is no independent legislature or political parties. Some decision-making is devolved to a Council of Ministers appointed by the Emir. A 30-strong advisory council with limited powers was created in 1972. The Emir's democratization plan envisages a 45 member parliament, of who 30 will be popularly elected and 15 appointed by him. View more about Qatar.

Oman

Sultanate since 1744. Head of State and Government: Sultan Qabus bin Sa'id since 1970. The administrative system of the State under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said consists of the Diwan of Royal Court, the Ministry of Palace Office, the Cabinet of Ministers and Secretariat of the Cabinet, the Specialised Councils, the Governorate of Muscat, the Governorate of Dhofar and the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman). View more about Oman.

Kuwait

Traditional arab monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1961. Head of State: Jabir Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 1978. Head of Government: Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah since 2003. The election in 2003 was extremely significant, since it was the first to permit adult women to vote and stand for official positions. View more about Kuwait.