The celebration of the UAE Flag was established back in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. On this day, UAE flags are raised over federal ministries and departments all over the country at 11 AM, the same time the UAE National Anthem sounds. UAE embassies all around the world participate in the flag-raising ceremony as well, starting with the UAE Embassy in New Zealand.
With great pleasure, ordinary people also hang out flags from their balconies, rooftops, backyards and cars. Everybody is welcome to attend lectures about the significance of the UAE flag, its symbolism and history. On this day, elements of national identity can be found almost everywhere. For example, the famous Burj Khalifa is colored in the shades of the national flag.
For UAE nationals, the flag is associated with memories of the past and dreams of the future. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said:
«Our Emirati flag is the symbol of our union and strength, it is the pride of our parents and our children, under it’s banner we continue the march of progress and by raising it, our young people build the future»
The history of the flag began in 1971 — the year when six of the emirates agreed to unite together, establishing the United Arab Emirates, with the seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joining the union later. The flag itself was designed the same year by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was 19 years old at that time and adopted on December 2nd. Each Emirate was granted the right to use the federal flag interchangeably as the flag of the emirate.
The UAE flag is a symbol of unity and strength of the country. It contains the Pan-Arab colors red, green, white, and black, a combination common to other countries of the MENA Region, thus making the unity of Arab nations as the main theme of the color scheme.
The UAE federal flag is a rectangular cloth with a length-to-width ratio being 2:1. The flag has 4 strips: one vertical bright red and three horizontal — green, white and black. Each of these pan-Arab colors has a deep symbolic meaning with roots going deep into history, culture, traditions and heritage.
UAE national flag is an important part of the United Arab Emirates identity, a good reason for its nationals, as well as residents, to be truly proud and celebrate.
Festivals to Attend in the UAE
Islamic New Year
Al Isra’a Wal Mi’raj — Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
UAE National Day — The State-Founding Day
The UAE’s rich history is rooted in trade and tied to Islam. Its unique location between Europe and the Far East became the crucial factor in it's growth into the world's largest trading hubs. Throughout the ages, these lands had attracted merchants from India and China, and were prized by Europeans, in particular the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.
After the discovery of oil and the formation of the Emirates, the wise rulers began the rapid development of the country's economy, shaping it into what it is today. Though small in size, the UAE quickly became an important player in regional and international affairs.
Although it's growth and development, UAE heritage have not been forgotten - on the contrary, is still well-respected among the nationals. History and culture of local people can be felt in the legendary hospitality of local hotels, architecture of modern skyscrapers and openness and kindness in living among the multinational community.
Here you can read various articles about UAE heritage, history and culture, and better understand, why this country's development became such a success throughout the years.
