As the UAE prepares to mark Flag Day on Monday, 3 November, UAE Prime Minister, Vice President, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has called on citizens, residents, and institutions across the country to raise the UAE flag at exactly 11am.On his official social media account, X, Sheikh Mohammed announced the celebration of Flag Day, emphasising it as an annual occasion to renew allegiance, reaffirm loyalty, and celebrate the UAE flag — a symbol of national sovereignty and the emblem of the Union.“Brothers and sisters, on November 3 we will celebrate Flag Day, an annual occasion on which we renew our pledge, reaffirm our loyalty and express our love for the UAE flag, the symbol of our sovereignty and flag of our union.” He added:“We call upon all citizens, residents and entities across the country to raise the UAE flag on Monday, November 3, at 11am, as a gesture of unity, solidarity around our national flag and as a reflection of the values of union, belonging, and loyalty to our homeland and its leadership. May the UAE flag even fly high with pride and glory.”
Understanding the UAE Flag Day
Flag Day was first celebrated in 2013, established by Sheikh Mohammed to mark the accession of the late President Sheikh Khalifa in 2004. Since then, it has become a staple of the UAE national calendar, symbolising unity, loyalty, and national pride. The four colours of the UAE flag, known as the pan-Arab colours, each carry specific meanings:
- White represents good deeds and generosity.
- Green signifies growth and prosperity.
- Black embodies strength, resilience, and courage.
- Red reflects the sacrifices of previous generations of Emiratis in defence of the nation.
When displaying the flag, residents are reminded to ensure it is not damaged, faded, or torn. If hung in the middle of a street, it should be vertical, with the red section on top and the other three colours below.
How the day is marked
While Flag Day is not a public holiday, it is widely celebrated across the UAE. Schools, offices, ministries, private companies, and public spaces participate in ceremonies, with pupils often wearing national dress or colours of the flag. Members of the public and institutions are invited to raise the flag in unison at 11am, creating a visible demonstration of solidarity. The day is not only a commemoration of the nation’s history and leadership but also a reflection of values central to the UAE: union, belonging, and loyalty. This year marks the 13th anniversary of Flag Day, with Emiratis and expatriates coming together nationwide to celebrate the symbol of the country’s sovereignty and enduring unity.
National Month celebrations
The UAE has also announced the ‘National Month’, an emirate-wide celebration spanning Flag Day until Eid Al Etihad on 2 December 2025. Flags will adorn homes, shops, streets, and public spaces, emphasising the country’s spirit of unity and patriotism. Residents are reminded to display the flag respectfully, inspecting it to ensure it is not damaged, faded, or torn, and following proper hanging guidelines when displayed in streets.
