Protocols for raising the UAE flag

Abu Dhabi: Flag Day tomorrow, November 3, evokes a sense of deep pride and belonging among citizens and residents alike. The desire to raise the flag and participate in this occasion is overwhelming.

However, every organisation and individual wishing to raise the UAE flag must do so correctly. Any form of disrespect or abuse of the flag is deemed a criminal offence.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, the UAE flag law states: “Any person who publicly drops, damages or in any way insults the Union flag, the flag of any member emirate in the Union on the flag of any other country as a result of disgust or contempt of the powers of the Union, the emirates or the relevant countries, shall be punished by prison for a period of no more than six months and a fine of no more than Dh1,000.”

Although the UAE national flag is constantly seen raised over ministerial and government buildings every day, it may also be placed in private buildings during celebrations, the ministry said.

However, this process also has its own protocol.

“The [UAE] flag shall be raised during conferences and celebrations. It shall be located at the meeting hall, auditorium or celebration halls, etc. It shall be hoisted horizontally or to a mast provided that the flag level shall be higher than the speakers and participants.”

Even on international waters, ships and naval vessels must raise the UAE flag upon entry and exit from ports any time they are present at these ports between sunrise and sunset.

“They are even required to hoist the flag upon the vessels passing by another ship, port, military base, fort, castle, artillery centre and minaret or upon the demand of any warship,” the ministry added.

On sad occasions, the UAE flag is placed at half-mast at locations including embassies, consulates, the ambassador and consul’s accommodation, the domiciles of the permanent delegations of the country to international and regional authorities and agencies overseas, if the country is officially in mourning.