The flag should not touch the ground or be used in any way that may disrespect it.
Citizens and residents across the United Arab Emirates have been encouraged to raise the national flag on homes, institutions, and buildings as a gesture of unity and solidarity following recent regional developments.
This initiative follows a call from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who urged people nationwide to hoist the flag as a strong symbol of national pride, cohesion, and collective support.
A call for unity and pride
In a message shared on his X account, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the United Arab Emirates has entered a challenging period united and has emerged stronger, with citizens and residents standing together under the national flag.
He described the UAE flag as a powerful symbol of strength and pride, encouraging everyone to display it as an expression of belonging, solidarity, and national cohesion.
He added that the nation takes pride in its leadership, armed forces, strong economy, and everyone living in the United Arab Emirates. He called for the national flag to be raised high above every home and building as a symbol of loyalty, unity, and national pride.
He concluded with a prayer for the continued strength, stability, and prosperity of the UAE.
What to know before raising the UAE flag
As flags are raised across the country, authorities have urged the public to follow official etiquette outlined in the guidelines of the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. The national flag of the United Arab Emirates must always be treated with respect and displayed properly in line with national protocol.
Any act of disrespect toward the national flag is considered a serious offence under UAE law, carrying penalties that may include imprisonment of 10 to 25 years and fines starting from Dh500,000.
The history and meaning of the UAE flag
The UAE national flag was first raised on December 2, 1971 by the country’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, during celebrations marking the formation of the Union.
The flag of the United Arab Emirates was designed by Abdullah Al Maeena, who won a national competition organized.
Its colors—red, green, white, and black—were inspired by a verse from the poem of Safi al-Din al-Hilli:
“White are our acts, green our fields, black our battles, and red our swords.”
Each color carries symbolic meaning:
- Red represents courage and sacrifice
- Green symbolizes prosperity and growth
- White stands for peace and honesty
- Black signifies strength and determination
UAE Flag guidelines: How to display and care for the flag
According to the UAE Flag Guidelines issued by the UAE Cabinet, the national flag must always be treated with respect and properly maintained when displayed.
Key instructions include:
- The flag must be clean, undamaged, and in good condition
- It should be raised in a dignified and prominent position
- It must not touch the ground or be used in a disrespectful manner
- It should be raised during daylight and lowered at sunset unless properly illuminated
- No text, logos, or alterations should be added to the flag
- When displayed with other flags, the UAE flag should be given the position of honor
- Damaged or faded flags should be replaced promptly
UAE Flag care, handling, and display guidelines
As outlined in official protocols of the United Arab Emirates, the national flag must always be treated with care, dignity, and respect.
Care and maintenance
- Keep the flag clean, ironed, and neatly presented at all times
- Replace immediately if it becomes torn, faded, or discoloured
- Inspect before hoisting to ensure it is untangled and undamaged
- Check after bad weather to confirm it remains in good condition
- Fold properly after use and store safely in a dedicated flag box
- Do not use burning for disposal; instead, carefully cut and recycle so it no longer resembles the flag
- Never insult, tear, or mishandle the flag, as this is a criminal offence under Article 3 of Federal Decree Law No. 13 of 2019
Material and condition
- Flags must be made of durable, weather-resistant fabric such as nylon
- They should be clean, vibrant, and free from damage or fading
- Regular replacement is recommended to maintain a respectful appearance
Flag and pole dimensions
- On buildings: 1.5m × 3m flag, 8–10m pole
- In front of buildings: 1m × 2m flag, 10–12m pole
- Inside halls: 1m × 2m flag, 4–6m pole
- In offices: 2.5m pole (standard indoor setup)
Flagpoles should be white, with matching ropes, and a white finial sized proportionately to the pole.
Placement rules
- If an even number of flags are displayed, the UAE flag should be placed on the far left
- If an odd number are displayed, it should be placed in the centre
- The UAE flag must always be given the position of honor
Proper display and positioning
On ships, the national flag of the United Arab Emirates is raised at the centre while sailing and at the stern when docked.
During official speeches, the flag is placed to the left of the podium, positioned slightly above the speaker’s head.
When used for draping a coffin, the red section is placed at the top. The flag must never touch the ground and should be carefully folded and presented to the family after the ceremony.
Street and public display rules
Flags displayed along streets must hang vertically, with the red stripe at the top and the black stripe on the left. When displayed horizontally, the red stripe must remain at the top.
During national occasions, only the UAE flag should be displayed on a given street to maintain uniformity and respect.
Legal penalties for flag insult
Under Article 3 of Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 1971, as amended by Federal Decree Law No. 13 of 2019, anyone who desecrates or insults the flag of the United Arab Emirates or the flag of any recognised state may face serious legal consequences, including:
- Imprisonment between 10 and 25 years
- A fine of no less than Dh500,000
- Such acts are considered to undermine national security
Incorrect use of the UAE Flag
To protect the dignity of the national symbol, certain uses of the national flag are strictly prohibited in the United Arab Emirates:
- No logos, emblems, or decorative additions may be placed on the flag (except the Presidential Flag, which includes the national emblem)
- The flag must not be altered in size, shape, or design for decorative or promotional purposes
- It must not be printed on disposable items or food products such as cakes or sweets
- It must never be used in advertising, typography, or any form that could damage or disrespect its dignity
