Q 01/05

How many emirates make up the United Arab Emirates?

A) Five

B) Twelve

C) Seven

D) Nine

Answer · why

C) Seven

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Bahrain and Qatar were meant to join but went their own way in 1971.

Q 02/05

Which city is the national capital of the UAE?

A) Abu Dhabi

B) Sharjah

C) Dubai

D) Al Ain

Answer · why

A) Abu Dhabi

Its emirate covers 87% of the country's land and holds most of the oil. Dubai is the biggest city but not the capital.

Q 03/05

In which year did the UAE become an independent federation?

A) 1991

B) 1975

C) 1971

D) 1981

Answer · why

C) 1971

Six emirates united on 2 December 1971 as Britain ended its treaties; Ras Al Khaimah joined on 10 January 1972.

Q 04/05

Which emirate joined the federation last, in January 1972?

A) Ras Al Khaimah

B) Umm Al Quwain

C) Fujairah city

D) Ajman emirate

Answer · why

A) Ras Al Khaimah

Its ruler had held out over the Iranian seizure of the Tunb islands. It will host the country's first casino resort in 2027.

Q 05/05

Before independence the emirates were a British protectorate known collectively as what?

A) British Arabia

B) The Pirate Coast Colony

C) The Trucial States

D) The Gulf Sheikhdoms

Answer · why

C) The Trucial States

The name came from 19th-century truces against piracy signed with Britain. The Trucial Oman Scouts kept the peace between the sheikhs.