A sheikhdom (alt. sheikdom) (مشيخة [Mashyakhah]) is a geographical area or a society, that is ruled by a sheikh (Arabic: {rtl-lang|ar|شيخ}). Sheikhdoms exist almost exclusively within Arab countries, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula. The word is generally used as a descriptive term for political systems rather than as a noun (such as ... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhdom