Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
In the UAE, flags will be raised high at 11am on Monday as residents and institutions join in celebrating UAE Flag Day, a national occasion that honours the country’s unity, pride, and leadership. Observed annually on November 3, Flag Day marks the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession as president of the UAE in 2004.
The initiative was first introduced in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, as a day to renew the sense of patriotism and belonging among citizens and residents alike.
This year marks the 13th edition of the celebration. While Flag Day is not a public holiday, it holds deep symbolic value across the Emirates.
Government buildings, schools, shopping malls, and homes are adorned with the red, green, white, and black colours of the national flag in a show of unity and pride.
In an Arabic post shared on X, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, called on all Emiratis and residents to raise the national flag on Monday, November 3, at 11am.
“Brothers and sisters, on November 3, we celebrate Flag Day – a day on which we renew our pledge, reaffirm our loyalty, and express our love for the flag of our nation, the symbol of our sovereignty and the banner of our Union,” His Highness said.
“We call on all citizens, residents, and institutions across the country to raise the UAE flag on Monday, November 3, at exactly 11am, as an expression of the people’s unity and solidarity around their flag, and as an embodiment of the values of Union, belonging, and loyalty to the nation and its leadership,” His Highness added.
“May the UAE flag always fly high in glory. May the UAE flag flutter in pride.”
Flag Day also marks the beginning of a month-long series of celebrations leading up to the UAE’s National Day on December 2, commemorating the country’s founding in 1971.
The UAE flag features four colours that reflect the UAE’s identity, values, and the journey from the past into a bright future.
Green represents hope, joy, optimism and love. It celebrates prosperity and flourishing life in the Emirates. White stands for peace and honesty – values deeply rooted in the UAE’s identity. Black honours strength and stands for the defeat of enemies, while red signifies bravery, strength, and courage. The vertical red band binds all the colours together in unity.
