5 Essential Facts About UAE Flag Day You Should Know

UAE to celebrate UAE Flag Day on November 3

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, During a speech in November 2013, he called on the people of the United Arab Emirates to celebrate “Flag Day” on November 3 each year as a national campaign to celebrate the anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the United Arab Emirates.

He urged all Emiratis to participate in the event and asked government entities and departments, as well as ministries, to hoist the national flag on buildings on this day.

The Cabinet has published a procedural guideline on the use of the UAE flag to preserve its prestige and status as a symbol of the country and national honor for the people of the UAE.

First celebrated in 2013, Flag Day is celebrated annually on November 3.

UAE Flag Day

Below are some facts about the symbolism behind the colors of the UAE flag, its historical significance, and the remarkable story of its creation.

• Symbolism of the colors of the UAE flag: The flag of the UAE is made up of four vibrant colors, each of which has significant symbolism. Red denotes bravery, toughness and strength, and pays tribute to the sacrifices of past generations. Green embodies hope, joy and prosperity, and shows the nation’s cultural renaissance. White symbolizes the honesty, cleanliness and charitable efforts of the United Arab Emirates, which advocates for global peace. Finally, black represents the resistance of the Emiratis against adversaries, against injustice and extremism.
• Creation of historical design.: In 1971, the design of the flag emerged from a competition proposal by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, a young Emirati. His flag design, chosen from among 1,030 proposals, represented deep symbolism. For him, red meant sacrifice, reminiscent of the Ottoman flag; The green reflected the Fatimid Caliphate, while the white referenced the early victories of the Prophet Muhammad. Black represented the country’s historical ties and the transformative power of oil. His inspiration came from a poem by Safieddine Al Hila.
• inaugural flag raising: On the historic day of the union of the emirates, December 2, 1971, the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, was the first to raise the flag, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history.
• Strict guidelines and protocol: The UAE flag is held to strict standards, especially during celebratory events. It must be made of nylon and weigh a minimum of 122.5 g per square meter, which guarantees its quality and compliance with national standards.
• Flag Day Commemoration: Flag Day commemorates the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s assumption of the presidency in 2004. This day is dedicated to celebrating the current status of the UAE under President Sheikh Khalifa and honoring the notable building efforts national initiative initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed, the visionary founding father.

The history of the United Arab Emirates is deeply associated with the country’s flag and has great significance in commemorating the unity, heritage and visionary leadership of the nation.

News source: Gulf Business