emirat

Emirat refers to a principality or emirate, a political entity ruled by an Emir. The title Emir is of Arabic origin and is often translated as "prince" or "commander." Historically, the term has been used in various Islamic contexts to denote leaders or rulers. Today, the term is most commonly associated with several sovereign states in the Middle East, particularly those in the Arabian Peninsula.

The most well-known examples of modern emirates are the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates, and Qatar, which is also an emirate. Other countries like Kuwait and Bahrain are also ruled by Emirs, though they are often referred to as kingdoms. The structure of an emirate can vary, with some being absolute monarchies where the Emir holds supreme power, while others may have consultative bodies or a more complex system of governance. The succession to the position of Emir is typically hereditary within a ruling family. The influence and significance of these emirates are considerable, especially in terms of global energy markets and regional politics.