Mohammed bin Zayed raises the UAE flag at Qasr Al Hosn on Flag Day

In an atmosphere of pride and belonging, the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, raised the country’s flag this morning on the flagpole of Qasr Al Hosn in the capital, Abu Dhabi, in celebration of “Flag Day,” which falls on November 3rd of each year.

Mohammed bin Zayed: We raised the UAE flag with the participation of a group of the nation's sons The flag-raising ceremony was accompanied by the playing of the UAE national anthem, with the participation of a group of retired officers who responded to the invitation to participate in this national event in appreciation of their contributions and efforts in serving the nation over the past decades.

During the event, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed expressed his pride in this national participation, saying: “On Flag Day, the symbol of our unity and pride, we raised the UAE flag with the participation of a constellation of the nation’s sons who contributed to building its renaissance and development. Generation after generation, the sons of the Emirates continue their loyalty and dedication to serving their nation, carrying in their hearts a deep love and firm belief in the shared responsibility to raise its flag high, fluttering with pride and glory.”

The history and importance of Science Day The UAE celebrates Flag Day on November 3rd of each year, which coincides with the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan assuming the presidency of the state in 2004. This day was launched in 2013 by an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to be a national occasion that expresses pride in the Emirati identity and commemorates the journey of the Union.

State celebrations The streets and buildings of the UAE are adorned with flags from early morning, as citizens and residents across the country gather in a unified national moment to raise the flag at 11:00 AM, coinciding with the playing of the national anthem. Government and private institutions, as well as schools, participate in this event, affirming the values of unity, belonging, and loyalty to the nation and its leadership.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum called on all citizens and residents to raise the UAE flag at the same time, stressing that this day embodies the unity of the Emirati home and renews the pledge to the values of the Union established by the early founders.

The celebrations extend throughout the national month. Although Flag Day is not an official holiday, it marks the beginning of a month filled with national events that extend until December 2nd, the date of UAE National Day. Dubai has announced the launch of its "National Month" events for the second year running, with celebrations and activities taking place across the emirate from Flag Day until National Day.

Flag Garden in Dubai One of the highlights of the annual celebrations is the “Flag Garden” on Umm Suqeim Beach near Burj Al Arab, now in its twelfth consecutive year. Thousands of Emirati flags are displayed to form massive artistic displays featuring portraits of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, in a majestic national scene embodying the spirit of the Union. The garden will be open to visitors from October 31 to January 10.

Drone display at Global Village Dubai’s Global Village will also host a dazzling drone show on Monday, November 3 at 9 pm. Hundreds of drones will fly in the Dubai sky, forming illuminated displays in the colors of the UAE flag, in a visual display that symbolizes the unity of the country and its appreciation for everyone who has contributed to its progress.