Photos: UAE Flag Day celebrations marked across the country

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai has dedicated the celebrations of the Flag Day to the heroes at the forefront of the nation's fight against COVID-19. Sheikh Mohammed hoisted the UAE flag at the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The event was organised by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation under the theme 'Proud of You'. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "Flag Day this year is an opportunity to celebrate the solidarity displayed by society and the spirit of giving and cooperation that has helped the country mitigate the impact of the pandemic." We extend our gratitude to those at the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. We sincerely appreciate their efforts and dedication. We also thank the volunteers who contributed to help ensure the welfare of various communities."

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai said the UAE Flag Day is celebrated nationally in response to the call from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The occasion, which also marks the anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s assumption of office as the President of the UAE, reflects national unity and our love for our country and allegiance to the UAE flag. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s comments came during the UAE Flag Day celebrations held at the Al Shindagha Historical District, where he hoisted the national flag.

Students of Al Qyiam Secondary School celebrating UAE Flag Day among the sea of UAE National Flags at Kite Beach in Dubai. 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.

Sharjah Police Band perform during the Flag hoisting on the UAE Flag day in the Flag Island, Sharjah. 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.

The UAE flags adorn Shaikh Zayed Road in celebration of the UAE Flag Day. United by the occasion, citizens and expatriates gathered to show their love and appreciation to the UAE and its visionary leadership.

Children dress up with UAE flag designs, during the Flag hoisting on the UAE Flag day in the Flag Island, Sharjah.

UAE Flag deocrated at villas in Muwafjah area in Sharjah.

UAE Flag at Dubai International Academy in Al Barsha, Dubai.

Officials during the Flag hoisting on the UAE Flag day in the Flag Island, Sharjah.

Children dress up with UAE flag designs, during the Flag hoisting on the UAE Flag day in the Flag Island, Sharjah.

Abdul Hamid Ahmad, CEO, Editor-in-chief and Executive Director of Publications of Gulf News hoists the UAE flag at Gulf News office to mark UAE Flag Day.

UAE Flag Day celebrations held at the Al Shindagha Historical District.

Students of Al Qyiam Secondary School celebrating UAE Flag Day at Kite Beach in Dubai.

Shops and residences in Dubai are decorated with the UAE flags in celebration of the UAE Flag Day.

The UAE embassy in New Delhi, India celebrated the UAE Flag Day to express feelings of pride & loyalty to the UAE leadership & people, & to renew the charters of loyalty & belonging to the dear homeland. The flag hoisting ceremony took place in the presence of embassy & military diplomats & local staff.

UAE Flag being raised at Sharjah Municipality.

UAE flag celebrations at the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Ahmed Khalid Khalifa celebrating UAE Flag Day at Kite Beach in Dubai.

An official salutes during the Flag hoisting ceremony on the UAE Flag day in the Flag Island, Sharjah.

Shop owners in Satwa sell various sized UAE flags as well as UAE flag colored merchandise like clothing and accessories in celebration of the UAE Flag Day.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) took part in the nation-wide celebrations of the Flag Day in response to the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to celebrate the event in 2012. His Highness directed then to hoist the national flag on all public facilities, entities and homes across the UAE to mark the accession as President of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Flags now flutter in various public facilities across Dubai as part of RTA’s celebrations of the event. His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, raised the national flag at RTA’s Head Office in the presence of a few CEOs and Executive Directors. The event fully observed the health precautions in place to protect against the spread of Covid-19.

Motorists around the country adorn their vehicles with the UAE national flag in celebration of the UAE Flag Day.

Abu Dhabi City Municipality celebrates Flag Day

Flag day celebrations at Emirates group headquarters in Dubai.

An Emirati boy walks among UAE national flags set up to celebrate the UAE Flag Day in Dubai.

Flag day at Federal National Council in Abu Dhabi.

A man takes a selfie among UAE national flags in Dubai.