The vice president of the United Arab Emirates is the deputy head of state of the United Arab Emirates. The office holder will perform all the responsibilities of the President of the United Arab Emirates in the latter's absence for any reason.
The vice president is elected by the Federal Supreme Council from among its members for renewable five-year terms. While not required by the constitution, the practice is that the ruler of Dubai simultaneously serves as a vice president of the UAE.
The first vice president, Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, took office on 2 December 1971. Every prime minister since 1979 also held the title of vice president.