Flag Day (United Arab Emirates)
| UAE National Flag Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Patriotic, Historical, Nationalist |
| Significance | Anniversary of the inauguration of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President, Commemoration of the founders of UAE. |
| Observances | Flag raising ceremonies |
| Date | 3 November |
| Frequency | annual |
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Flag Day is a national occasion where people of the United Arab Emirates remember the efforts of the founders of their State, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, and their brothers who sacrificed everything for the sake of their nation. It is a day when the national spirit is renewed, and an occasion to reflect on the achievements of the era of the President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.[1]
The UAE flag represents meanings of justice, peace, tolerance, power and moderation, under which all Emiratis live a decent life and enjoy security and stability. This comes in continuation of the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.[2]
Background
The Flag Day marks the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa becoming the president in 2004. Every year in 3 November people in the Emirates celebrate this national occasion, in which they reaffirm their allegiance to the UAE flag, which is a symbol of the country’s unity and greatness and represents their aspirations for a better future.[3]
The occasion is an opportunity to remember the efforts of the founding fathers – Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid and their brothers from five other emirates. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said, they "sacrificed everything for the sake of our nation". Because of their vision, the country was able to become a modern and ambitious state. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed spoke of the country’s "unity, cohesion and solidarity" in a Flag Day address "We raise the flag today to show our great love and appreciation for the UAE President for his national efforts and his continuous initiatives to keep the nation high and cherished," said the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, via Twitter.[4]
Observance
On this day, Emiratis across the UAE sing the country’s national Anthem and hoist the flag atop their buildings and at their backyards. They organize a gala at their new headquarters and salute the flag in reflection of their belonging to their homeland, their loyalty to their prudent leadership and in glorification of the country’s national symbols . They organize a number of lectures and competitions about the history of the flag, its colors, and elements of national identity in addition to awareness messages, tweets, and constant updates through social media channels.