UAE Flag Day 2024: 'Raise the flag on Nov 1'
Dubai's ruler calls on all to join the national celebration
DUBAI: A call for national unity and pride rings across the United Arab Emirates as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has urged all Emiratis and residents alike to mark UAE Flag Day on November 1.
In an inspiring message shared on his X account, the Ruler of Dubai reminded citizens and institutions to "raise the UAE flag on the first of November at 11 am, united in our feelings and purpose," as a testament to the nation’s enduring strength and unity.
“Brothers and Sisters, as we do every year, we come together to celebrate Flag Day — an occasion to honour the nation's flag, the symbol of our country, the secret of our strength, and the source of our pride. We call upon all ministries and institutions across the country...a time to express our love for this country, our loyalty to this flag, and our renewed determination to uphold the banner of our Union, pledging to keep it flying high, representing the glory of the UAE,” he said, capturing the essence of this unifying event.
الإخوة والأخوات .. كما تعودنا في كل عام .. نحتفي بيوم العلم.. نحتفي براية الوطن ..
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 30, 2024
نحتفي برمز دولتنا .. وسر قوتنا .. ومصدر فخرنا .. علم دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ..
ندعو كافة الوزارات والمؤسسات في الدولة لرفع العلم الإماراتي في الأول من نوفمبر هذا العام في الساعة الحادية…
What is UAE Flag Day?
Flag Day, celebrated on November 3, honours the UAE's achievements and pays homage to the nation’s progress and shared identity. The initiative was established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2013, commemorating the accession of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President in 2004.
Each year, the Flag Day becomes a vivid symbol of pride and commitment to the UAE’s values, with citizens and residents coming together to display the national flag across the country.
While the Flag Day is not an official public holiday, it remains one of the most anticipated national events, marking a time for the UAE community to showcase unity. On this day, the country proudly raises the flag, symbolising the UAE’s strength, growth, and spirit of togetherness.
When is Flag Day?
Flag Day celebrations begin at 11 AM on November 1, with a ceremonial flag-raising accompanied by the national anthem. While the event itself is not a holiday, it sets the stage for a month of celebrations that extend into the UAE National Day on December 2.
Public and private institutions alike engage in these patriotic activities, adorning buildings with the UAE’s red, green, white, and black colours.
How the UAE celebrates Flag Day
Across the nation, UAE Flag Day is celebrated with vibrant displays and meaningful tributes. Buildings are adorned in the national colours, flags wave from private homes to government offices, and schools and institutions participate with flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events.
The iconic Flag Garden on Kite Beach in Dubai is a sight to behold, featuring thousands of flags arranged to form patriotic designs and tributes to the nation’s founding leaders, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Shops and markets are also filled with patriotic merchandise, from clothing adorned with the national flag colours to souvenirs featuring iconic national symbols and embroidered phrases like “May your glory last, O homeland.” This visual homage highlights the UAE's deep national pride and the collective celebration of its identity.
Rules for displaying the UAE flag
The UAE upholds strict rules regarding the proper display and care of its national flag:
- The flag should be a rectangular shape with a height-to-width ratio of 1:2, with the colours appearing in a specific order.
- Additionally, the flag should be checked every 45 days to ensure it remains in good condition and replaced every six months, particularly for flags displayed on government buildings or embassies.
- The flag may not be used for decorative purposes on disposable items, nor may it be modified with additional symbols.
These guidelines reflect the respect and care with which the UAE honours its national emblem.
UAE Flag Day 2024: What it means
Since its inception in 2013, Flag Day has grown beyond a simple celebration to become an annual reminder of the UAE’s shared values and aspirations. The national flag itself is a powerful symbol, embodying the principles that define the UAE: courage (red), hope (green), honesty (white), and strength of mind (black). Designed in 1971 by Abdullah Al Maainah, the flag is an iconic representation of the nation’s unity and diversity.
For the UAE’s citizens and residents, Flag Day is a time to reflect on the country’s journey, celebrate its present, and look forward to the future. With the nation united under one flag, Sheikh Mohammed’s message serves as a reminder of the collective strength and resilience that has led to the UAE’s prosperity and harmony.
As it approaches, the UAE invites everyone to proudly raise the flag, standing united in their admiration for a country that celebrates progress, respect, and ambition.