United Arab Emirates civics quiz: questions and answers
All 20 general civics quiz questions about United Arab Emirates with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Constitution and government 4 questions
Head of state, parliament, courts and the constitution.
Practise only: Constitution and government →
Which is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE?
The Federal Supreme Council
The Federal Supreme Council is made up of the rulers of the seven emirates and elects the President.
How many members does the Federal National Council have?
40
The FNC has 40 members, half of them elected since 2006.
In which year did the UAE’s provisional constitution become permanent?
1996
The Federal Supreme Council made the Constitution permanent in 1996.
What is the official language of the United Arab Emirates?
Arabic
Arabic is the official language under the constitution, though English is widely used in business.
History and national symbols 8 questions
Independence, key dates, flag, anthem and other national symbols.
Practise only: History and national symbols →
On what date was the United Arab Emirates founded?
2 December 1971
National Day marks the federation of 2 December 1971; Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972.
Who is regarded as the founding father of the UAE?
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Sheikh Zayed was the first President of the UAE from 1971 to 2004.
The red, white, green and black of the UAE flag are known as what?
The Pan-Arab colours
The flag adopted in 1971 uses the Pan-Arab colours.
What is the national bird of the UAE?
The falcon
The falcon symbolises the UAE's heritage and appears on the national emblem.
On which date is UAE Flag Day celebrated?
3 November
Flag Day marks the accession of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed in 2004.
By what name was the area known before the federation was formed?
The Trucial States
The coastal sheikhdoms were known as the Trucial States because of treaties signed with Britain in the 19th century.
Which emirate joined the federation in February 1972?
Ras Al Khaimah
Six emirates formed the UAE in December 1971, and Ras Al Khaimah joined as the seventh in February 1972.
Which country had treaty relations with the Trucial States until 1971?
The United Kingdom
Britain handled the defence and foreign relations of the Trucial States under treaties until it withdrew in 1971.
Geography and society 7 questions
Capital, geography, languages, currency and public holidays.
Practise only: Geography and society →
How many emirates make up the UAE?
Seven
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.
What is the capital of the UAE?
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital under Article 9 of the Constitution.
What are the official language and religion of the UAE?
Arabic and Islam
Articles 6 and 7 of the Constitution set Arabic as the official language and Islam as the official religion.
Which colours appear on the UAE flag?
Red, green, white and black
The flag has a vertical red band at the hoist and three horizontal stripes of green, white and black.
What is the currency of the United Arab Emirates?
The UAE dirham
The UAE dirham has been the national currency since 1973.
Which city’s cultural sites are on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
Al Ain
The Cultural Sites of Al Ain, including Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and the oases, were inscribed by UNESCO in 2011.
What is the title of the UAE national anthem?
Ishy Bilady
The national anthem is 'Ishy Bilady', meaning 'Long Live My Country'.
Naturalisation rules 1 questions
What the law requires for citizenship: residence, language, tests, fees and dual nationality.
Practise only: Naturalisation rules →
Under the 2021 amendment, who nominates investors and talents for UAE citizenship?
Rulers' and Crown Princes' courts, Executive Councils or the Cabinet
The 2021 route is nomination-only for investors, scientists, doctors, inventors and creative talents.
Think you know them?
Take a timed mock exam in the real UAE Civics format.