The Emirate of Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is the capital of the emirate and was named after it. In December 1971, the emirate united with Abu Dhabi and the other emirates to form the United Arab Emirates. Until then, the emirates were British protectorates. Ruler of the emirate is HRH Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the emirate is governed by the Government of Dubai.