An Arab chief is a leader of an Arab community, and there are several terms used to describe this position. Amir (4 letters) is a term used in the Middle East and Central Asia to refer to a commander or ruler. Sheik (5 letters) is a term used in the Middle East and North Africa to refer to a tribal leader or elder. Sheikh (6 letters) is a more formal version of Sheik, and is often used to refer to a religious leader. EMIR (4 letters) is a term used in the Middle East and North Africa to refer to a prince or ruler. Emeer (5 letters) is a variant spelling of EMIR. Sherif (6 letters) is a term used in the Middle East and North Africa to refer to a nobleman or descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.