His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has called for all ministries and institutions to raise the UAE flag on Friday November 1 at 11am.
As the UAE celebrates Flag Day this week, Sheikh Mohammed shared on a recent post via X on Wednesday October 30, that the occasion will express ‘our love for this nation’ and ‘our loyalty to this flag’.
الإخوة والأخوات .. كما تعودنا في كل عام .. نحتفي بيوم العلم.. نحتفي براية الوطن ..
نحتفي برمز دولتنا .. وسر قوتنا .. ومصدر فخرنا .. علم دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ..ندعو كافة الوزارات والمؤسسات في الدولة لرفع العلم الإماراتي في الأول من نوفمبر هذا العام في الساعة الحادية…
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 30, 2024
The Sunday November 3 celebration is the 12th incarnation of the annual event, marked by citizens and residents nationwide.
But it’s important to note there are strict laws regulating how the UAE’s flag should be flown, so make sure you’re aware.
The flag should be rectangular with the height half of its width and the colours in the correct order.
The owner must check on the flag’s condition every 45 days to ensure no damage has occurred – and it must be changed every six months.
The government has also outlined a series of rules stating that the flag is being misused if a symbol has been added to it, it is being used to decorate costumes or disposable materials or if its design is being used as a wrapper for foodstuffs. You can read more about the rules here.
UAE Flag Day: What is it?
First celebrated in 2013, the idea was conceived by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The occasion marks the anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession as President of the UAE in 2004.
It is commemorated every year – but is not a public holiday. While many of us will have the Sunday off anyway, it’s not included as a paid holiday.
In fact, Dubai recently announced a month of celebrations for UAE Flag Day and UAE National Day, which will include dedicated concerts and free events to enjoy. Take a look here at all the action expected around the city and how you can celebrate this special occasion.
Source: Timesoutdubai
