The UAE marks its 12th annual Flag Day on today, Friday, 01-November-2024.
Members of the public, ministries, private companies and schools are raising the flag at 11am.
When it is not a public holiday, it is typically celebrated with greater fervor.
The Story of UAE Flag Day Has Designed the UAE Flag ?
The UAE celebrates this occasion since 2013.
This was when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid established it to commemorate the accession of the late President Sheikh Khalifa in 2004.
Accordingly, it has become a staple of the UAE calendar.
Al Ittihad newspaper made a competition in 1971 to choose the designer of UAE Flag.
Abdullah Al Maainah won this competition, as his design was the best between over 1,000 entries.
The young Emirati intended the four colors of green, white, black and red to represent Arab unity.
By December 1971, two flags were raised to mark the formation of the nation.
The first one in Abu Dhabi and the other at Union House in Dubai.
The flag was flown at the UN headquarters in New York on December 10, 1971.
What Does the Colors of Flag Represent ?
The UAE flag consists of four colors: red, green, white, and black.
Those colors represent core values and characteristics that are essential parts of the country’s identity:
Red: This color symbolizes the past generations sacrifices in defending their homeland.
In the past, red was often associated with courage, bravery, and the region’s strength and resilience.
Today, it also honors the UAE’s continued commitment to security and stability in the Gulf region.
Green: Green represents growth, prosperity, and the UAE’s rich natural resources.
It also reflects the UAE’s vision of sustainable development.
As well as its dedication to preserving natural environment while fostering economic prosperity.
White: White is a symbol of peace, purity, and coexistence.
As the UAE makes strong efforts to enhance tolerance, peace, and cooperation internationally and locally.
White is also representing the nation’s peaceful coexistence with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Black: Black symbolizes strength and determination, especially in the face of challenges.
It is also a reminder of the history of UAE which began from a region of small, disparate communities.
Now, those communities transformed to a united, prosperous nation with an influential global presence.
Rules for Flag Display on UAE Flag Day
- Print the flag only on durable, high-quality, matte fabric, using either polyester or 100 percent nylon.
- Use a gold, silver, or wooden base when displaying flags indoors.
- Keep the flag at least 20-25 cm above the ground or base without allowing it to touch either.
- Ensure no additional decorations added to the flag, and do not place other flags on the same pole.
- Check the flag regularly for damage—at least once every 45 days—and replace it immediately if damaged.
- Hang the flag vertically on buildings or streets, with the red part at the top so viewers see it correctly from every direction.
The UAE continued its global humanitarian presence in terms of providing relief to those affected by natural disasters that hit many countries around the world during 2024.
The list of countries to which the UAE extended a helping hand included: Burkina Faso, Brazil, the… pic.twitter.com/u1MGXxPYGc
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) October 31, 2024
- Recycle damaged flags by disintegrating their parts so they no longer resemble or represent the flag.
- Do not place logos, designs, or drawings on the UAE flag, with the only exception being the UAE emblem for the President’s flag.
- Display the flag’s shape and colors as intended without alterations.
- Avoid using them in decorative elements like balloons, logos, or typography.
- Do not print the flag on disposable items such as pillows, napkins, or boxes, nor on edible items like cakes, sweets, or food wrappers.
- Avoid using the flag or its elements as a trademark or for advertising without prior permission.
