Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has asked ministries and institutions across the UAE to raise the national flag at 11am on Friday. This action will take place ahead of Flag Day, which is officially celebrated on Sunday, November 3, this year.
“Brothers and sisters, as we do every year, we celebrate Flag Day. We celebrate our nation’s flag,” Sheikh Mohammed shared on X. “We honor the symbol of our country, the source of our strength, and the pride of the United Arab Emirates.”
He added, “We urge all ministries and institutions in the country to raise the UAE flag on November 1 at 11am.”
What is Flag Day?
Flag Day, observed on November 3 each year, was established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed to mark the accession of the late President Sheikh Khalifa in 2004.
The flag’s four colors, known as the pan-Arab colors, represent different values: white symbolizes good deeds and generosity, green stands for growth and prosperity, black signifies strength, resilience, and courage, while red represents the sacrifices made by past generations of Emiratis for the nation.
Rules for Displaying the Flag
The UAE has specific rules for displaying the national flag, updated regularly by authorities. The Presidential Protocol and Strategic Narrative Authority provides a detailed online guide about how to display the flag indoors and outdoors, along with prohibited actions.
Here are some key rules to maintain the flag’s integrity:
- The flag must be made from durable, high-quality matte fabric, either polyester or 100% nylon.
- When displayed indoors, the base can be gold, silver, or wooden. The flag must not touch the ground or base and should be at least 20-25cm above it.
- No extra decorations can be added to the flag, and no other flag should be on the same pole.
- The flag should be checked for damage every 45 days. If it’s damaged, it must be replaced immediately.
- When displayed on streets or buildings, the flag should hang vertically with the red part on top, allowing viewers to see it clearly from all directions.
- Damaged flags can be recycled by breaking them down so they no longer resemble a flag.
- The flag’s shape and colors should be displayed correctly and not altered for decorative purposes, such as balloons, logos, or typography.
- The flag must not be printed on disposable items like pillows, napkins, or boxes, and it cannot be used on food items, including cakes or wrappers.
- The flag or any part of it cannot be used as a trademark or for advertising purposes without prior permission.
