Dubai: The morning of November 3 witnessed balloons in the colours of the UAE flag released into the sky and flag-hoisting ceremonies to mark UAE’s Flag Day. The occasion marks the accession of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the office of President of the UAE.
In large-scale celebrations across the country, the UAE flag was hoisted across schools, government departments, ministries and by all members of the community as a way to express love for the homeland and loyalty to the UAE’s wise leadership.
20,000 students joined @HHShkMohd as he hoists UAE Flag on #UAEFlagDay at Zabeel Park. pic.twitter.com/hcOuSAhWuD— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 3, 2016
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 representing 120 nationalities on Thursday.
The national occasion of UAE Flag Day is a moment of unmitigated pride and joy for everyone as they raise the flag to show their appreciation for the UAE. For many citizens and residents alike, it evokes a sense of deep pride and belonging.
Sabine Boghos, a Lebanese expat, said: “To me, this day means the world; it means showing off my pride in my home, of a country that has helped me grow up to become a strong woman.”
She said she was raised in the UAE and grew up embracing the colours of the UAE flag and what they represent. “They represent strength, courage, hope, joy, peace and honesty. Our leaders have made sure that the flag does not only represent the country but also its people. Thus, we have a role to represent it in the best way possible,” said Boghos, who works as an accounts manager.
She said her contribution to the UAE is through her charity work that aims to bring about positive change in people’s lives. “I try to leave a footprint in people’s hearts. This is what our leaders envision for the UAE.”
On the national occasion, thousands of social media accounts also switched their profile pictures to the UAE flag, following an invitation from the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development on Wednesday to have all members of the society send a unified message to the world.
Mansour Al Hashemi, an Emirati cadet pilot, was among the first to answer this call, and changed his profile picture on his Instagram [to the UAE flag].
“This day holds several meanings for us. Raising the UAE flag high is a way for us to highlight the national spirit. The colours of the flag represent the values that we stand for and it’s wonderful to see the entire community taking part in this celebration.”
Flag-raising ceremonies were held in many public and private schools in response to a call made by Shaikh Mohammad to launch a nationwide campaign to celebrate UAE Flag Day.
In the spirit of the moment, Global Village’s management and employees raised the UAE flag at the Village’s Kiosk Street, which has been completely redecorated with flags of the UAE.
Zayed University’s campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai also saw the UAE flag being raised. Dubai Ladies Club also joined the celebrations at 11am.
Meanwhile in Abu Dhabi, a full agenda of events was launched by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
The entire community has been invited to take part in a five-day celebration for Flag Day under the slogan ‘Raise it High… Raise it Proud’. Activities include a flag walkathon, operetta, radio contests, flag city, ‘Raise it high’ campaign, and social media competitions, in addition to a number of other events in the ministry and shopping malls.
The activities in the capital started with the Flag Walkathon in which more than 2,000 people from all segments of society participated. The walkathon began from Al Jazira Club in Abu Dhabi to the National Theatre.
Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, hoisted the UAE flag with those participating in the walkathon.
