The National put the public to the test this week to find out just how much expatriates of various nationalities knew of the UAE, and how they integrated with Emirati society. We asked them: 1. Can you name the current ruler of the UAE? 2. Who ruled prior to him? 3. Can you identify the UAE flag? 4. How many Emirates are there? 5. Can you name them? 6. What year was the UAE formed? 7. What is the formal Arabic greeting and response when meeting people? 8. When is National Day?
1. Sheikh Khalifa 2. Sheikh Zayed 3. Green means fertility; white, neutrality; red, unity; and black is the colour of Prophet Mohammed's flag. 4. Seven. 5. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Umm al Qaiwain, Ajman 6. 1971 (Ras al Khaimah joined later, in 1972) 7. Greeting: Al Salam Alaykom. Response: Wa Alaykom salam. 8. Dec 2