ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
Flag displays have spread across the UAE after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called on citizens and residents to raise it high above their homes, institutions and buildings as "a sign of loyalty to our President, and as the banner of our unity and solidarity".
As communities continue to take part in campaigns celebrating national unity, the growing presence of the flag has also drawn attention to the official rules governing how it should be displayed, handled and preserved.
The UAE Cabinet's Flag Usage Guideline stresses that the national flag must be treated with dignity and respect at all times, and handled in a manner that reflects its significance as one of the country's most important national symbols.
It sets out practical steps to ensure the flag is kept in proper condition and instructions for correctly displaying the flag.
How to Maintain the UAE Flag:
• The UAE flag should always be kept clean and ironed.
• Torn, faded or damaged flags should be replaced immediately.
• The flag should be checked before raising to ensure it is in proper condition.
• It should be inspected after storms or harsh weather to ensure it remains safe and undamaged.
• The flag must never touch the ground when lowered.
• Once lowered, it should be folded carefully and stored appropriately.
How to Display the UAE Flag:
• The flag should be displayed in a way that prevents it from touching nearby objects such as walls, trees or doors.
• When hung vertically on buildings, homes or in public spaces, the red section must remain at the top, with the remaining colours below, while the black stripe should appear on the viewer's left.
• The size of the flag should be proportionate to the height of the pole and suitable for its surroundings.
• In all cases, the flag must be displayed upright and in a prominent position.
The guidebook also sets out rules for flagpoles.
Outdoor poles should be white, while indoor poles may be gold, silver or wooden, provided they do not exceed three metres in height.
Flagpoles should also be cleaned regularly to avoid staining or damaging the flag and inspected after storms or adverse weather to ensure they remain safe and secure.
Flag Misuse Carries Legal Penalties
The guidebook warns that any misuse, damage or any act of disrespect towards the flag can carry legal penalties under UAE law, and is considered an act that undermines national security.
As per Federal Decree Law No. 13 of 2019, anyone who desecrates or insults the UAE flag may face imprisonment of up to 25 years, along with fines of at least Dh500,000.
The guidebook lists prohibited uses citizens and residents should be aware of:
• Logos, symbols, emblems or decorative additions should not be added to the flag.
The only exception to this rule is the Presidential Flag, which bears the national emblem at the centre of the white band and is reserved exclusively for the UAE President.
• The flag may not be printed on disposable items/materials.
• The flag may not be used on any edible items, including cakes and sweets.
• The flag must not be used to cover structures, vehicles, statues or furniture.
• The flag's proportions, size, shape and colours must not be altered for particular applications or objects.
• The flag may not be used for commercial purposes, trademark registration, or promotional material.
First raised on December 2, 1971, during the declaration of the Union, the UAE flag was designed by Abdullah Al Maainah and has remained a central symbol of the federation and the values on which it was founded.
According to the official guidebook, its four colours each carry meaning: red stands for sacrifice and courage, green for growth and prosperity, white for peace and giving, and black for strength and resilience.
As public participation in flag-raising campaigns continues across the country, the guidebook serves as a reminder that the UAE flag is not only a visual emblem of unity, but also a national symbol tied to the sacrifices of the founding generation and the principles on which the state was built.