What is Flag Day, celebrated today in the UAE?

Two important dates are at the root of the UAE Flag Day: in 1971, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan hoisted for the first time the flag designed the same year by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, thus unifying the whole territory, after a time of division and independence of the various emirates called the States of the Truce.

The second date is 3 November 2004, when the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan was sworn in as Emir of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates.

Since then, every 3rd of November, flags are hoisted in ministries, companies, schools and private homes across the UAE at 11am. At the same time, the national anthem is sung by all.

A strong symbolism, made in the UAE

According to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, this flag raising is essential to show and honour the union of the country and its inhabitants, as much out of pride for the past as out of common aspiration for the future. This is why a strict code is set for the raising of the colours, and the handling of the flag: notably as to its shape (which must be rectangular), its height (equal to half its width) and its colours (which must be in the original order).

 

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Moreover, the colours of the flag represent strong symbols, known to all Emiratis… The first horizontal green band represents the wealth of the country, especially through the natural and agricultural resources of the country. Green is also the colour of Islam and the importance of this religion in the Emirates. The second horizontal band, white, symbolizes peace in the Emirates and in the world. The black stripe, the last horizontal one, represents the strength and power of the Emirates as well as oil, the number one resource, which was absolutely crucial for the development of the country. Finally, the vertical red band reflects the union of all Emiratis through courage and progress.