On November 3, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commemorates Flag Day, a momentous occasion that unites millions of residents and citizens in a display of national pride. The day is marked by the hoisting of the UAE flag at 11 a.m. sharp, as urged by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This annual event, first celebrated in 2013, honors the accession of the UAE’s second president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and celebrates the nation’s remarkable progress and unity.
The UAE flag, a symbol of belonging and identity, was designed by a 19-year-old Emirati, Abdulla Mohammed Al Ma’enah, in 1971. Inspired by a poem by Safi-u-ddin Al Hali, Al Ma’enah crafted a design that incorporated four colors, each with profound significance: red for bravery and courage, green for growth and prosperity, white for peace and goodness, and black for strength and rejection of injustice. His design, selected from over 1,030 entries, was first hoisted on December 2, 1971, marking the formation of the UAE.
Flag Day not only celebrates the nation’s leadership and vision but also serves as a reminder of the UAE’s journey from desert sands to global prominence. The day is a testament to the unity and commitment of its people, as the flag waves proudly across homes, streets, and institutions, embodying the spirit of the Emirates.