SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
From the birth of the nation to its continuing journey of development, the UAE flag has remained a powerful symbol of unity, belonging and pride in the country’s achievements.
As the nation celebrates Flag Day on November 3, Emirati citizens shared their reflections with Aletihad on what the flag means to them, highlighting how the occasion brings generations together, honours the vision of the Founding Fathers and renews their commitment to the nation’s future.
For retired teacher Mona Al Naqbi, Flag Day brings back memories of morning school assemblies and the generations of students she encouraged to serve their country.
"I stood for many years during morning assemblies, watching the UAE flag rises every morning, and with it, watching your dreams grow," she said.
Reflecting on her lasting connection to the nation, she added: “Today, I have retired from the classroom, but I have never retired from loving my country.”
Al Naqbi recalled teaching students the significance of the flag's colours and encouraging them to honour the nation through education and good character.
"I instilled the love of Sheikh Zayed in children’s hearts, and today I see them becoming teachers, doctors, engineers and soldiers. I can say that my efforts were not in vain," she added.
Similarly, Noura Al Baloushi emphasised that Flag Day represents a renewed commitment to national unity, development and public service.
"On Flag Day, we do not merely raise a nation's flag; we renew our commitment to the vision of a country that has made unity the foundation of its strength, people the focus of its development, and foresight the approach guiding its journey," she said.
She highlighted the importance of translating national pride into meaningful contributions that support the UAE's continued progress.
"Loyalty to the UAE flag is not measured solely by our feelings of pride and belonging, but by the work we do, the impact we create and our contributions to building the nation's future."
Reflecting on her work in research and government policy, Al Baloushi stressed the responsibility of turning national ambitions into tangible results.
"Our duty remains to translate national ambitions into effective policies, knowledge into informed decisions and efforts into tangible results that enhance quality of life and safeguard the Union's achievements," she added.
For Aisha Al Zarouni, raising the UAE flag during international events and competitions carries a particularly personal meaning.
"When I raise the flag of the UAE at international forums and competitions, I am overwhelmed with pride and honour, and I feel that I am representing not only myself, but also a great nation that has given us so much and taught us that ambition has no limits," she said.
She described the flag as a reflection of the nation's history and the achievements of successive generations.
"The UAE flag is not merely colours, but the story of a nation, the story of a Union, and a journey of achievements written by the Founding Fathers, which we continue today through giving, creativity and innovation."
Al Zarouni also reaffirmed her commitment to contributing to the UAE's development. "We pledge to our nation and its wise leadership that we will remain loyal to this flag and work sincerely for the UAE's advancement and progress," she added.
Worood Al Hammadi reflected on the UAE's journey over 55 years, highlighting the ambition of its leadership and people. "For 55 years, a flag has been raised that is not merely a banner, but the story of a nation," she said.
She described that journey as "a great dream, wise leadership that knows no impossibility." Al Hammadi also praised "the determination of people who accept nothing less than first place", expressing her wishes for the country's continued security, pride and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Adel Abdulla Humaid described Flag Day as a reflection of the UAE's achievements and its commitment to development, innovation and progress.
"It is a day that carries a message to the entire world that the UAE is a nation of knowledge, determination, development, work, creativity, achievement and excellence," he said.
He emphasised that the occasion strengthens the relationship between the nation, its leadership and its people. "Flag Day is a day of united pride, renewed belonging and reflection on the mutual giving between the nation, its wise leadership and its loyal people."
Adel added that the occasion also encourages continued dedication to national progress. "Flag Day is a day to renew our pledge, look towards the flag with patriotism, pride and love and continue working and giving under its banner until the next Flag Day and beyond."
Mohammed Al Zaabi expressed his pride in the UAE and reaffirmed his loyalty to its leadership on Flag Day. “On Flag Day, we raise the banner of our nation high with great pride,” he said.
Highlighting the occasion’s significance, he added: “We renew our pledge of loyalty and belonging to our wise leadership and our cherished homeland.”
He also offered prayers for the nation, saying: “May God protect our country, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, his deputies, all the Rulers of the Emirates, our sheikhs and the people of the UAE.”
Fatima Al Mazrouei similarly described the national flag as a symbol of unity, identity and the ambitions of the Emirati people. "On UAE Flag Day, we raise our nation's flag with pride and honour, a flag whose colours carry the story of a Union, whose fluttering tells a story of glory and whose skies hold the dreams of a people who know no impossibility," she said.
She emphasised that the flag represents a lasting commitment to the nation.
"The UAE flag is not merely a symbol we raise; it is a homeland that lives in our hearts, an identity we cherish and a renewed pledge of loyalty, belonging and giving."
Reflecting on the significance of November 3, Al Mazrouei highlighted the importance of remembering the Founding Fathers and continuing their legacy.
"On November 3, hearts unite under one flag and we remember with gratitude the Founding Fathers who built a nation we are proud of before the world, as we continue the journey of development and achievement under our wise leadership."