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Quizzes > Society & Culture

UAE quiz: National Day trivia challenge

Quick, free UAE national day quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: John SpooneUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art UAE skyline desert dunes falcon quiz symbols on teal background

Use this UAE National Day quiz to check your knowledge of history, symbols, and traditions, and learn a few new facts. When you finish, try our national day trivia for a different set of questions, explore the city with a Dubai history quiz, or widen your scope with a Middle East quiz.

On which date is UAE National Day celebrated each year?
December 3
December 1
November 30
December 2
UAE National Day commemorates the federation of the emirates on December 2, 1971, and is celebrated annually on that date. It marks the union of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the other emirates into the United Arab Emirates. Festivities include fireworks, parades, and special cultural events across the country. .
How many emirates make up the United Arab Emirates?
8
7
5
6
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. These seven rulers form the Federal Supreme Council, which is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE. The number seven is symbolic and central to the country's identity. .
What is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates?
Sharjah
Ajman
Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the largest of the seven emirates by area. It serves as the political center and home to the federal government. Dubai is the most populous city but not the official capital. .
Which desert covers much of the UAE's land area?
Gobi Desert
Sahara Desert
Mojave Desert
Arabian Desert
The Arabian Desert spans across the Arabian Peninsula, including most of the UAE's landmass. It features sand dunes, gravel plains, and mountain ranges. The climate is arid, with extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall. .
What is the official language of the UAE?
Arabic
English
Hindi
Urdu
Arabic is the official language of the UAE and is used in government, official documents, and education. English is widely spoken in business and tourism, but Arabic remains the constitutional language. The UAE has also embraced multilingualism in public life. .
Which animal is recognized as the national animal of the UAE?
Camel
Arabian oryx
Hawk
Falcon
The Arabian oryx is the UAE's national animal, symbolizing beauty, resilience, and grace in the desert environment. Once extinct in the wild, conservation efforts in the UAE helped reintroduce the species. The oryx appears on coins and in national branding. .
What currency is used in the UAE?
Dirham
Riyal
Dollar
Dinar
The UAE uses the UAE dirham (AED) as its official currency, introduced in 1973 to replace the Qatar and Dubai riyal. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate. It is issued by the Central Bank of the UAE. .
Which flower is designated as the national flower of the UAE?
Jasmine
Lily
Tribulus Omanense
Rose
Tribulus Omanense, a species of flowering plant adapted to arid environments, was chosen as the UAE's national flower for its resilience and beauty. It thrives in desert conditions and represents the nation's endurance. The flower is celebrated in cultural art and design. .
Who is known as the founding father of the United Arab Emirates?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, was the principal driving force behind the federation in 1971 and is widely regarded as the UAE's founding father. He championed unity, development, and tolerance until his passing in 2004. His legacy continues in national policy and development projects. .
In which year did the UAE officially form as a federation?
1975
1971
1965
1981
On December 2, 1971, six emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah - united to form the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah joined shortly thereafter in early 1972. The federation has since grown economically and politically. .
Which emirate is the largest in area?
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Fujairah
Dubai
Abu Dhabi covers about 87% of the UAE's total landmass, making it by far the largest emirate. It contains vast oil reserves and significant cultural landmarks. Dubai, in contrast, is the most densely populated but much smaller in land area. .
Which color is not featured on the UAE national flag?
Green
Black
Red
Blue
The UAE flag consists of red, green, white, and black, representing unity, fertility, neutrality, and strength. Blue is not part of the national flag's Pan-Arab colors. The flag was adopted in 1971. .
The Louvre Abu Dhabi museum officially opened in which year?
2015
2019
2013
2017
Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world, opened its doors on November 11, 2017. It showcases art and artifacts from prehistory to the present through loans and partnerships with French museums. The museum's dome design is an architectural landmark. .
Which traditional sport has deep roots in Emirati culture?
Football
Tennis
Camel racing
Cricket
Camel racing is a centuries-old tradition in the UAE, reflecting Bedouin heritage and desert life. Races are held regularly with specially bred and trained camels. Modern events use robotic jockeys to ensure fairness. .
Which body of water lies to the northeast of the UAE?
Gulf of Oman
Red Sea
Arabian Sea
Persian Gulf
The Gulf of Oman borders the UAE's northeastern coast and connects the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Gulf lies to the northwest of the country. These waterways are vital for trade and energy exports. .
What traditional greeting involves touching noses in Emirati culture?
Cheek kiss
Eskimo kiss
Salam handshake
Bowing
Known locally as the 'nose kiss' or formal greeting, this custom involves gently pressing noses and inhaling. It symbolizes respect and close friendship, particularly among men and close family. The gesture originates from desert cultures where strong bonds were essential. .
Which site in Al Ain is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage location?
Al Ain Oasis
Qasr Al Hosn
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Al Jahili Fort
Al Ain Oasis, with its falaj irrigation system and historic date plantations, was inscribed by UNESCO in 2011 for its demonstration of sustainable farming in a desert environment. It reflects over 4,000 years of human settlement. The site is part of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain recognition. .
What is the Arabic name for traditional Emirati coffee?
Gahwa
Espresso
Karak
Turkish coffee
Gahwa is lightly roasted Arabic coffee often flavored with cardamom and saffron, served in small cups during social and hospitality gatherings. It is a symbol of generosity and tradition in Emirati culture. Pouring and serving gahwa follow specific ceremonial steps. .
What is the name of the UAE's first mission to Mars?
Al Amal
Falcon 1
Mars Pioneer
Hope Probe
The Emirates Mars Mission, nicknamed the Hope Probe, was launched in July 2020 and entered Mars orbit in February 2021. It studies the Martian atmosphere and climate for a one-Earth-year mission. It makes the UAE the first Arab nation to reach Mars. .
Ras Al Khaimah is a leading global producer of which mineral?
Bauxite
Potash
Phosphate
Gypsum
Gypsum mining is a key industry in Ras Al Khaimah, where deposits are extensive. The mineral supports local cement and construction material production. The emirate exports gypsum worldwide. .
Which airline, founded in 1985, serves as the UAE's national carrier?
Emirates Airline
Flydubai
Air Arabia
Etihad Airways
Emirates Airline was founded in 1985 and has grown into one of the world's largest international carriers. It is wholly owned by the government of Dubai and operates a modern fleet from its hub at Dubai International Airport. .
What is the name of the traditional stick dance popular in Abu Dhabi?
Khaleegy
Ayallah
Dabke
Tanoura
Ayallah, also known as the stick dance, involves two rows of men wielding thin bamboo sticks called 'yansour' and performing rhythmic movements to drumbeats. It is a symbol of unity and Bedouin heritage. The dance is featured in national celebrations. .
Which large-scale development in Dubai is recognized as the world's largest man-made island?
Bluewaters Island
The World
Palm Deira
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah, shaped like a palm tree, is the world's largest artificial island and a major feat of engineering completed in 2006. It hosts residential, hotel, and leisure facilities. The island is a landmark of Dubai's coastal development. .
What do the seven stars on the UAE's national emblem represent?
The seven deserts
The seven emirates
The seven virtues
The seven founding fathers
The UAE's coat of arms features a golden falcon bearing a disk with seven stars, each star symbolizing one of the seven emirates. This design underscores the unity and federation of the emirates. The falcon is a national bird and emblematic of courage. .
How many members make up the UAE Federal Supreme Council?
13
14
8
7
The Federal Supreme Council is composed of the rulers of the seven emirates. It is the highest constitutional authority, electing the President and Vice President of the UAE. Council decisions require a majority vote. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Key Historical Milestones -

    Learn about the pivotal events leading up to the formation of the UAE and the significance of December 2nd in national history.

  2. Recall Foundational Facts -

    Memorize essential details such as the founding leaders, date of union, and the original emirates that formed the federation.

  3. Recognize Cultural Symbols -

    Identify important Emirati icons - from the national flag and emblem to traditional attire - and understand their meanings.

  4. Analyze Traditions and Heritage -

    Explore how heritage customs, festivals, and local practices contribute to the UAE's unique cultural identity.

  5. Apply UAE Trivia Knowledge -

    Use your newfound insights to confidently tackle national day quiz questions and share fun facts with friends and family.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Formation of the UAE Federation (Dec 2, 1971) -

    The UAE officially united six emirates on December 2, 1971, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in February 1972. Mnemonic "Six in '71, Seven by '72" helps you remember this timeline. This foundational fact is documented on the UAE Government portal and national archives.

  2. Role of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan -

    Known as the "Father of the Nation," Sheikh Zayed championed unity, modernization, and environmental stewardship. An easy recall trick is "Zayed's Zeal" for Zeroing in on unity and progress. His leadership is celebrated in UAE National Day trivia and official UAE historical publications.

  3. Meaning Behind the UAE Flag Colors -

    The red stripe represents unity and bravery, green stands for prosperity, white for peace, and black for strength. Use the phrase "Real Generous White Black" as a simple color-order mnemonic. UNESCO and UAE government sources confirm these symbolisms.

  4. Iconic Landmark: Burj Khalifa -

    Soaring 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest man-made structure in the world, symbolizing ambition and innovation. Remember "8-2-8" as a numeric hook for its height in meters. This figure is verified by Emporis and the official Burj Khalifa website.

  5. National Day Traditions & Celebrations -

    Festivities include fireworks, heritage shows, and the "Union Souq" community events held nationwide. A fun quiz question could ask about the annual human chain event, first held in 2015 with over 6,000 participants. Details are outlined in official UAE National Day trivia guides by the Ministry of Culture and Youth.

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