UAE to Celebrate Flag Day Nationwide on November 3: A Symbol of Unity and National Pride

The United Arab Emirates will celebrate Flag Day on Monday, November 3, with nationwide ceremonies that highlight the nation’s unity, pride, and enduring commitment to the values set forth by its Founding Fathers. At 11 am, the UAE flag will be hoisted simultaneously across ministries, government entities, and institutions, symbolizing the shared loyalty of citizens and residents to the nation and its visionary leadership.

A Call for Unity and Patriotism

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has called on citizens, residents, and all institutions across the country to raise the flag at exactly 11 am. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), His Highness said:

“Brothers and sisters, on 3rd November 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 the flag of our union.”

The gesture, he noted, reflects the spirit of the union, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a nation built on solidarity, coexistence, and shared purpose.

A Celebration Rooted in History

First celebrated in 2013, Flag Day marks the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession as president in 2004. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the UAE’s most cherished national events, paving the way for the Eid Al Etihad (National Day) celebrations in December.

While Flag Day is not a public holiday, it carries profound cultural and emotional importance, serving as a moment for Emiratis and residents alike to express gratitude, respect, and pride in the UAE’s progress, unity, and global stature.

A Symbol of Peace and Tolerance

Beyond its patriotic significance, the occasion underscores the UAE’s role as a beacon of tolerance, harmony, and peace in the region. The flag, adorned in red, green, white, and black, represents the country’s unwavering dedication to unity, justice, and prosperity for all who call the Emirates home.

Flag Display Guidelines

Authorities have also issued strict guidelines for the proper handling and display of the UAE flag to ensure it is treated with the utmost respect:

• The flag must be rectangular, with the height exactly half its width.

• The color order must be maintained as red, green, white, and black.

• Permanent displays, such as those at government offices or embassies, must have the flag inspected every 45 days and replaced every six months.

• Misuse of the flag is strictly prohibited, including adding designs or symbols or using it on clothing, disposable items, or for commercial purposes.

A Day of National Reflection

As flags rise across skylines, schools, homes, and institutions, the event will unite millions in a shared moment of pride and reflection. For many, Flag Day is not just about the emblem itself but about what it represents: the UAE’s unity, leadership, and enduring spirit of progress.

With this year’s celebrations, the UAE once again demonstrates that the flag is more than a national symbol; it is a living representation of its people’s dreams, achievements, and loyalty to a nation that continues to inspire the world.