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Learn all about the history of the UAE's flag, the meanings of each colour, and the reasons behind why it has its own day
UAE National Flag Day will fall on Wednesday November 3rd for 2021.
Created in 1971 for the country's formation, the flag of the UAE is a symbol of much pride for Emiratis.
Way back on December 2nd, 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan declared the establishment of the United Arab Emirates as an independent country. On this day, he hoisted the new UAE flag to commemorate.
Living in the Emirates, it's no surprise then, to see them raised high in the sky on homes, skyscrapers, pillars across the country. It's also not an unusual sight to see expats living here to adopt the flag and display it with pride.
All about UAE Flag Day
The UAE flag has its own day dedicated to it, with November 3rd every year marked as UAE Flag Day. It is a day to restore the flag's values, which is a symbol of the country's unity and greatness, and represents our aspirations for a better future for the people of the UAE. For 2021, the occasion will take place on a Wednesday.
Did you know? UAE Flag Day on November 3rd also coincides with the accession anniversary of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the presidency of the country.
Does the UAE Flag Day count as a public holiday?
Unlike other national celebrations, the country does not officially regard UAE Flag Day as a public holiday, so work and schools will function as normal but entities are expected to showcase their respect to the flag.
The history of the UAE flag
Who created the UAE flag?
The flag that we've all grown to love and respect was actually the result of a competition entry!
Back in 1971, a young Emirati named Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah designed the flag after reading an advertisement announcing a competition for designing the UAE flag. Over 1030 designs participated, and only 6 were short-listed and finally the current flag won.
What does the UAE flag stand for?
There are four colours that make up the flag's design, each with their own unique meaning.
- Red represents bravery, hardiness, strength and courage. It can also be intepreted as binding all the other colours, or meanings, together in unity as it is vertical to the side.
- Green represents hope, joy, optimism and love, and can also symbolise the country's prosperity.
- The colour white represents peace and honesty. It is the purest colour, and to some is interpreted to symbolise cleanliness.
- The last colour, which is black, stands for the defeat of enemies and also strength of mind.
Normally celebrations occur on November 3rd every year, and Emiratis across the UAE will sing the country's national anthem.
The lyrics to the UAE's national anthem are:
Live my country, the unity of our Emirates lives
You have lived for a nation
Whose religion is Islam and guide is the Quran
I made you stronger in God's name oh homeland
My country, My country, My country, My country
God has protected you from the evils of the time
We have sworn to build and work
Work sincerely, work sincerely
As long as we live, we'll be sincere sincere
The safety has lasted and the flag has lived oh our Emirates
The symbol of Arabism
We all sacrifice for you, we supply you with our blood
We sacrifice for you with our souls oh homeland
Are there guidelines to using the UAE flag?
Yes there is, but unfortunately we can't find a copy ourselves! However, what we can tell you is that the flag can be and is used at all national events, religious, social, sports events and others, internally and externally beyond the UAE.
