Today's Edition
Huda Al Taniji (Abu Dhabi) - Each year, the UAE celebrates Flag Day on November 3 through official, institutional, and individual events that witness the participation of all segments of society, including citizens and residents, who celebrate the occasion by raising the UAE flag simultaneously in the skies.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, adopted Flag Day as a national occasion in 2012 to celebrate the UAE flag as a symbol of the country’s exceptional achievements and to ensure that the flag is a source of pride and identity.
Officials, national institutions, and families are preparing to gather at 10am to raise the flag in a display of honour and pride, reflecting the values and spirit of the union.
The UAE is the first country to deem Flag Day a national occasion, serving as a source of inspiration for several countries around the world that have also adopted their own Flag Days.
The UAE has always been at the forefront of unique national initiatives, and this occasion is a clear expression of country’s pride in its national identity. The occasion is also intended to educate new generations about the importance of preserving the identity of the UAE, and to develop a spirit of loyalty and belonging in UAE citizens from an early age that will grow with them into adulthood.
Flag Guidelines
In a show of respect for the UAE identity and as a symbol of the nation, Flag Day also comes with a set of important practices to be put in place to respect the UAE flag. The relevant authorities have issued the guidance manual for the national flag, which includes procedures such as keeping flags flying at full mast and preventing any harm or disrespect of the flag by maintaining proper care.
This national occasion has witnessed exceptional initiatives and events implemented by the authorities and national institutions over the years. Furthermore, families across the country celebrate the occasion by decorating homes and roadways with flags, also putting lights in the national colours on the sides of buildings.
This patriotic décor has evolved in recent years, confirming the importance of the flag and celebratory spirit that both citizens and residents express during the holiday.
UAE Flag
Designed by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, the national flag has three equally sized, parallel horizontal lines; the colour green at the top, the colour white in the middle, and the colour black at the bottom, in addition to a vertical red stripe on the left side of the flag.
The white on the flag is a symbol of peace, goodness, and giving; black is a symbol of victory, solidarity, and the mental fortitude of the Emirati people; green is a symbol of hope, prosperity, and development; and red symbolises boldness, courage, and bravery.
Citizen Sentiment
Citizens spoke to Aletihad regarding their sentiments on the occasion, confirming that the UAE’s Flag Day celebrations are a sincere expression of the strength of the nation’s cohesion and an affirmation of the values of loyalty and love for a homeland that has given much to its people.
Citizen Azza Al Shihhi said: “Flag Day is a day of loyalty to the state and the leadership of the UAE, which has harnessed all possibilities to provide the best quality of life for its people, making them the happiest people in the world.
Through national occasions, they gather together to show their love and dedication to this country, enhancing loyalty and belonging.
On Flag Day, they are standing every year in front of the flagpole in their homes and various locations to raise the flag high in the sky with dignity and pride.”
For Mona Saeed, Flag Day is an occasion dear to the hearts of the Emirati people, shared by all segments of society and residents who also wish to express their sincere feelings of belonging to the tolerant and peaceful country.
Everyone stands in respect for the symbol of the nation and its sovereignty in an exceptional scene on November 3 every year, she told Aletihad.
Speaking to Aletihad, citizen Fatima Al Shamsi expressed her hope that the UAE, its leadership, and people would remain steadfast, and that national occasions to express the depth of love and pride in the homeland would continue.
The occasion kickstarts a series of national celebrations that follow the holiday, including Martyr’s Day on November 30, and National Day on December 2.
