Abu Dhabi/Dubai: The UAE today unanimously celebrated Flag Day, which marks the accession of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the UAE.
The occasion symbolises the country’s abiding values of humanitarianism, tolerance, national honour and security and happiness for its people, with great fervour and joy. Across the country, in a synchronised show of solidarity, the UAE’s flag flew high and proud as the full spectrum of government departments, private institutions and citizens and residents marked the day with events and ceremonies.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, hoisted the UAE flag at Zabeel Park in Dubai, in the presence of 20,000 students from UAE schools representing 120 nationalities.
Shaikh Mohammad hoisted the flag on the 12-metre pole while the UAE national anthem was played by the Dubai Police music band.
Shaikh Mohammad greeted the students at the venue, and then walked among them as they marked this glorious national event by waving the UAE flag.
Present during the event were Shaikha Jalila Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, and other officials.
In Abu Dhabi, the capital marked the day with the hoisting of the flag across the emirate. Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, joined UAE Flag Day celebrations organised in various schools in Abu Dhabi.
Shaikh Hazza hoisted the flag at the Zayed the 2nd school. “On this historic day, the hearts of Emiratis become one, under one glorious flag that is a symbol of our unity, progress and prosperity. Together, we mark the UAE Flag Day, which also coincides with the accession of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” said Shaikh Hazza.
The capital also held a Flag Day walkathon in which more than 2,000 people participated, starting from Al Jazeera Sports Club to the National Theatre.
The walkathon was attended by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, who raised the UAE flag at the National Theatre and also inaugurated the flag exhibition.
In a speech to mark the day, Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of National Media Council (NMC), said that Flag Day is a day that marks “our belonging and pride in the homeland, under the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“The day is an opportunity to renew loyalty to the wise leadership and enhance national identity in the hearts of Emiratis. The UAE is a role model in cohesion between the people and leadership, as well as a hub for tolerance and happiness for citizens and expatriates,” he noted.
“Today, we recall the bright stages in the development process as well as the country’s renaissance to accomplish prosperity and progress for its people in various areas in order to keep the homeland a hub of security and stability,” said Al Jaber.
He also said that raising the flag at the same time across the UAE highlights the immortal national achievements in a march that continues its achievements and accomplishes its goals, thanks to the vision of the wise leadership that leads the country.
On the occasion, Al Jaber extended his greetings to Shaikh Khalifa, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
“We renew our loyalty to the UAE wise leadership that always strives for the security, safety, peace and stability of the country, which is a role model in sustainable economic and social development. We will continue to work for the development of the homeland in order to raise the UAE flag high in the sky,” he said.
