UAE Flag Day: President Sheikh Mohamed Leads National Unity Celebrations Across Emirates

President Sheikh Mohamed led the United Arab Emirates' Flag Day celebrations on Tuesday at Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Hosn. During the event, he raised the UAE flag alongside 55 distinguished individuals from various sectors, symbolizing the 55 years of the nation's founding. In a message shared on X, President Sheikh Mohamed reflected on the UAE's progress since its inception and paid homage to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Rulers who established the Union. "To mark Flag Day, I was honoured to raise the UAE flag at Qasr Al Hosn alongside 55 accomplished individuals from various sectors, representing the 55 years of our Union," he stated. "As we reflect on the journey begun by the late Sheikh Zayed and his fellow Rulers, we look with confidence to our people, whose ambition and determination will continue to drive the UAE’s progress and prosperity."

Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, also shared a message on X, highlighting the UAE's achievements and future ambitions on this significant occasion. "On Flag Day we raise our flag with pride for what we have built and with pride for what we have achieved and with a pledge that our flag shall remain towering our glory ever-renewed and our ambitions boundless," he wrote. Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, marked the occasion by describing the national flag as a symbol of the UAE's strength, sovereignty, and collective accomplishments. "On Flag Day, we celebrate the story of a nation that believed in its unity and advanced towards the future through the will of its people," he commented. "The UAE flag is a symbol of our strength and sovereignty, and a testament to a journey whose achievements we take pride in and whose values we stand by." He conveyed wishes for continued safety and prosperity for the UAE, its leadership, and its people, emphasizing that the national flag should "forever be held high in honour and glory."

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, proudly raised the UAE flag in front of the iconic Zayed National Museum. He noted that the annual observance reinforces Emiratis' sense of belonging and loyalty, while also strengthening their commitment to advancing the nation. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, described the UAE flag as a "symbol of our pride and unity" in a social media post. "Under its banner, the dreams of our Founding Fathers and the aspirations of our people came together, setting our nation on a journey of achievements that inspire pride at home and admiration around the world. On Flag Day, we honour this great legacy and renew our loyalty to our leadership and the values of the Union. Our flag remains a precious trust passed down through generations, upheld through dedication and service to our nation."

Government institutions, ministries, schools, universities, and the public across all seven emirates participated in the celebrations, hoisting the national flag and renewing their sense of national pride and honour as citizens and residents.

Flag Day Celebrations in Schools

For the UAE's diverse school communities, Flag Day provides an important opportunity for younger generations to learn about the country's history and the values that underpin its national identity. At Dove Green Private School in Dubai Investments Park, the celebrations commenced with a flag-raising ceremony and the national anthem, organized by the school's Arabic and Islamic Studies Department. Principal Christopher Seeley underscored the significance of fostering national values and a sense of belonging among young learners. A notable moment of the program was a bilingual speech delivered in Arabic and English by Year 10 students Sara Dakhel and Omar Abu Hejab, who reflected on the UAE's leadership, heritage, and future aspirations.

At Gems Wellington Dubai Hills, Flag Day offered students a chance to celebrate the country they consider home and reflect on the meaning of belonging to a diverse national community. Ann Haydon, chief executive and principal of the school, stated: "UAE Flag Day gives our pupils an opportunity to come together and celebrate the country they call home. The flag represents the unity of the Emirates, the vision of the Founding Fathers and the values that continue to shape the nation." She observed that many pupils, despite having families from different global backgrounds, have grown up in the UAE. "Their families may come from different parts of the world, with their own languages, cultures and traditions, but they share a genuine connection to this country." Ms. Haydon further explained that the school utilized the occasion to help children understand the flag's history and significance, encouraging them to consider how values such as unity, respect, and belonging could be integrated into their friendships and daily interactions. "For me, that's what makes Flag Day so valuable. It's about helping children appreciate the country they're growing up in and how they carry our values into their everyday lives," she concluded.