Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called upon citizens, residents, ministries and government institutions to celebrate Flag Day on November 3.
UAE Flag Day falls on November 3, in conjunction with the anniversary of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s assumption of office as the leader of the country. This year the celebration is even more significant given that the UAE is celebrating 50 years.
Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter: "Brothers and sisters, the UAE will celebrate 50th year Flag Day November 3. We call on our citizens, organisations, and ministries to hoist the flag simultaneously on November 3 at 11:00 am to express the unity of our home and our destiny”.
About the UAE flag
The UAE flag was raised on December 2, 1971, for the first time by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to mark the country’s union.
The flag consists of four colours — green, white, black and red — which together represent the unity of Arabs.
The flag was designed by a young Emirati, Abdullah Mohammad Al Maainah, after seeing an advertisement about a competition for designing it. He later went on to become the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
What do the colours mean?
Red
Red represents hardiness, bravery, strength and courage. The vertical red band can also be interpreted as binding all the other meanings together in unity.
Green
Green represents hope, joy, optimism and love. It can also symbolise the country’s prosperity.
White
White represents peace and honesty. White is the purest colour, and is interpreted by some to symbolise cleanliness.
Black
Contrary to popular belief, the black band does not represent oil. It stands for the defeat of enemies, and also strength of mind.
