The United Arab Emirates celebrates Flag Day every year on November 3rd. This day is a national occasion during which Emiratis raise the UAE flag on government and private buildings to reaffirm their allegiance, loyalty and belonging to their homeland.
Official date: November 3
Key focus areas:
- Emphasize the significance of the UAE flag as a symbol of the state, the spirit of the union, sovereignty and unity.
- Pledge allegiance to the values of the union established by the founding fathers of the UAE.
- Develop national affiliation and strengthen the Emirati national identity.
- Raise the UAE flag at a specific time throughout the UAE as an expression of unity and belonging to the homeland.
- Organize events and activities for nationals and residents to celebrate this national occasion.
- Shed light on the symbolism and connotations of the colors of the Emirati flag.
Key facts:
- The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the first to raise the UAE flag on the flag mast of the Union House in Dubai after his election as president of the UAE on December 2, 1971.
- The UAE Flag Day was declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai on December 11, 2012, as a national occasion celebrated by the people of the UAE.
- November 3 was chosen as Flag Day as it coincides with the accession of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- The colors of the UAE flag were inspired by a famous poem by Safi al-Din al-Hilli.
- The white color in the UAE flag symbolizes the benevolence of the UAE; the red color symbolizes the sacrifices of older generations to protect the homeland; the green color stands for the UAE’s growth and progress; while the black color symbolizes the strength and resilience of the state.