On 2 December 1971, the United Arab Emirates was established as a federal independent country with the participation of the following emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the president and Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum the vice president. On the same day Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum was given the task of forming the government. The cabinet was announced on 9 December.
The term of the cabinet ended on 23 December 1973 when Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum formed the second cabinet.
The first cabinet of the United Arab Emirates consisted of the following members: