UAE Flag Day, marked every year on November 3, is one of the most unifying national occasions in the country. It brings together Emiratis and expat residents to honour the UAE flag as a symbol of pride, heritage, leadership and national identity. While schools, offices and communities take part in the flag-raising at 11am, celebrations continue throughout the day making it a perfect time to join in, learn, and participate respectfully.
How the UAE is celebrating today
From early morning, office towers, schools, embassies, malls and residential communities were adorned with the UAE colours as employees, students, families and children stepped out dressed in red, green, white and black. Many workplaces marked the morning with short ceremonies, the national anthem and speeches about the meaning behind the flag.In schools, students staged patriotic performances, cultural presentations, poetry and storytelling on the history of the UAE flag. Participation remained high across the country, with large attendance reported at public events and school assemblies. Teachers noted that for many young children and expatriate students, Flag Day has become an important annual learning moment that helps them understand the UAE’s identity and values.
Flag day events and highlights across the UAE
This year’s celebrations brought a mix of official ceremonies and public attractions:
- 11:00 AM Flag Raising: Ministries, government departments and private companies held the synchronized flag hoisting, maintaining the yearly tradition introduced in 2013.
- Global Village, Dubai: A special Flag Day drone show is scheduled for tonight at 8:30 PM, expected to draw large crowds.
- “Flag Garden” at Umm Suqeim: One of Dubai’s most popular traditions returned, featuring thousands of flags displayed near the Burj Al Arab — a major photography and family attraction.
- Landmarks Lighting Up: Iconic structures in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai are set to illuminate with UAE colours this evening, continuing the celebration into the night.
- Community Celebrations: Residential neighbourhoods have organised small community flags walks, children’s art corners, and family events throughout the day.
Attendance at public events has been strong, with a high turnout especially at school and family-friendly celebrations. Social media has been flooded with tributes, videos from the 11am moment, and community-led flag displays across villas, balconies and cars.
What is UAE Flag Day?
UAE Flag Day, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2013, falls on November 3 every year. The date marks the anniversary of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming President of the UAE. The day honours the UAE’s founding, achievements, unity and the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes.It is not a public holiday, but it holds deep emotional significance, reflecting respect for the flag, love for the nation, and the shared identity of Emiratis and residents.
How to display the UAE flag correctly?
As the enthusiasm rises across the country, authorities have issued detailed guidelines derived from the UAE Flag-Guidelines issued by the UAE Cabinet. They remind residents of the importance of maintaining the flag’s dignity:
- Always keep the flag clean and well-presented. If faded, torn or discoloured, it must be replaced immediately.
- Inspect the flag before raising ensure there is no damage, tangling or other issue. After storms or harsh weather, check its condition.
- When worn out, the flag must be folded neatly, stored properly, or disposed of by cutting into pieces so it no longer resembles the national symbol; burning is strictly prohibited for environmental reasons.
- Any lowering in contempt, tearing, insulting, or damaging the UAE flag is a criminal offence under federal law, penalties include up to 25 years imprisonment and fines starting from AED 500,000.
- Restricted uses: No logos, emblems or decorative additions may be placed on the flag (except the Presidential Flag with the national emblem). The flag must not be altered in size or shape, printed on disposable items like sweets or cakes, or used in any commercial or promotional manner.
These guidelines are meant not to dampen celebrations, but to ensure the flag remains a respected emblem of the nation, treated with honor and dignity.
Leaders who attended
Today’s coverage and official posts confirm a mix of national leaders, government bodies, municipal teams, students and community members took part in Flag Day events:
- UAE President Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hoisted the national flag atQasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, a ceremonial moment covered by national media and official outlets. This was one of the day’s most prominent official events. - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai) issued the official call for all citizens and residents to raise the flag at 11am and urged nationwide participation; his message was published on official channels. While this is a public appeal rather than a single-site ceremony, it anchors the countrywide activities.
- Federal and municipal bodies: Ministries and government entities across the Emirates conducted coordinated hoists at 11am.
WAM and other national outlets confirmed the nationwide nature of the ceremonies. Several emirate-level municipalities also ran local programmes, for example Ajman’s municipal calendar lists Flag Day activities, and Sharjah launched community initiatives such as “A Flag Above Our Homes” inDibba Al Hisn to distribute flags and encourage neighbourhood displays. These municipal efforts drew families and local participants
What’s coming up next?
If you missed the 11am flag-hoisting ceremonies, the celebrations continue through the evening with visual spectacles and family-friendly activities across the UAE. Here’s where to head and what time to catch the highlights:
- Dubai – Global Village Flag Day Drone Show (8:30 PM): The most anticipated event tonight is the special Flag Day drone show at Global Village, starting at 8:30 PM. Hundreds of drones will light up the sky with formations of the UAE flag, cultural symbols and patriotic messages. It’s one of the most popular Flag Day displays of the year, ideal for families, children and visitors. Arriving early is advised, as this show usually attracts large crowds and parking gets busy after 7:45 PM.
- Dubai – Umm Suqeim
Flag Garden (Open all evening): The annual Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim near the Burj Al Arab is open for public viewing, offering a stunning sea of UAE flags installed across the beachfront. It’s a calm, scenic option if you prefer a quieter celebration perfect for photos, sunset views and night strolls.
- Abu Dhabi – Landmark Light-Ups (After sunset): Iconic buildings and bridges across Abu Dhabi are expected to illuminate in UAE colours from sunset onwards. Residents can drive by Corniche landmarks, Nation Towers, heritage sites and city bridges for patriotic displays that continue into the night.
Whether you’re looking for a grand public show or a calm moment by the sea of flags, the evening schedule ensures the spirit of the day extends well beyond the morning ceremony.
Closing note
Flag Day remains one of the UAE’s most heartfelt civic rituals because it combines official respect and grassroots participation. Today’s mixture of high-level ceremonies, municipal initiatives and family activities shows the day can be both solemn and celebratory; people who missed the morning hoist can still join evening events and respect the flag by following the etiquette that keeps the symbol honoured.
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