United Arab Emirates Celebrates National Flag Day with a Symbolic Display of National Unity

The UAE celebrates Flag Day tomorrow at 11 AM, with a synchronized flag-raising ceremony across all seven emirates. This national occasion brings together government buildings, schools, and private institutions in a unified display of loyalty and national identity under the country's symbol of unity and sovereignty.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, launched Flag Day in 2013 as an annual celebration. The event gives Emiratis and residents a chance to express pride in their flag and renew their commitment to the nation and its leadership.

**The Story Behind the Colors**

Each color on the UAE flag carries deep meaning. Green represents growth and development, white symbolizes peace and giving, black stands for strength and determination, and red honors the sacrifices made to build the nation. These colors reflect the values that shaped the country since its founding.

The flag became official on December 2, 1971, when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan first raised it following the declaration of the UAE's formation. That moment marked the birth of a unified nation and created the official symbol that would represent the Emirates worldwide.

**A Design Born from Competition**

The flag's current design came from a public competition announced in Al Ittihad newspaper. Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah won the contest with his design, chosen from 1,030 submissions. Six designs made it to the final round, but Al Maainah's rectangular design with four equal sections captured the nation's vision. He received 4,000 dirhams for his winning entry.

The flag features three horizontal stripes of green, white, and black, with a vertical red stripe on the left side. When hung vertically, the red section moves to the top and green shifts to the right.

**Legal Framework and Respect**

Sheikh Zayed established Federal Law No. 2 on December 2, 1971, specifically governing the UAE flag. The Cabinet later issued Decision No. 5 in 1996, creating detailed guidelines for how individuals and institutions should handle the flag with proper respect.

The official guidelines require the flag to stay clean and pressed at all times. Regular replacement ensures the colors remain vibrant, and any torn or faded flags must be replaced immediately. Officials must inspect the flag before each raising.

**Cultural Impact and Education**

Flag Day serves as more than ceremony - it's become an educational tool. Schools incorporate flag history into their curricula, and families use the moment to teach children about national identity and values. The event helps connect younger generations to their heritage and the founding principles of the UAE.

The UAE pioneered the concept of a dedicated Flag Day, inspiring other nations to adopt similar celebrations. This initiative reflects the country's approach to creating unique national traditions that strengthen identity and unity.

For Emirati families, the flag-raising moment represents a special tradition. Parents involve their children in the ceremony, using it to instill pride and belonging while sharing stories about the country's history and achievements.

Tomorrow's celebration will once again demonstrate the UAE's commitment to the unity and vision that Sheikh Zayed and the founding fathers established over five decades ago.