Schools, workplaces and families across the UAE will mark the annual national occasion by raising the flag.
With the October half-term break over, parents across the UAE may already be looking ahead to the next school holiday. However, UAE Flag Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 3, this year, will not give pupils an additional day off.
The annual national occasion will see schools, workplaces and families across the Emirates raise the UAE flag, with ceremonies traditionally taking place at 11am.
Here is what parents need to know about school celebrations and holiday arrangements.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has called on citizens and residents across the country to take part in this year’s observance.
In a message shared on October 27, Sheikh Mohammed invited ministries, government institutions, schools, universities and families across all seven emirates to raise the national flag.
Describing the occasion as a collective expression of national pride, he said it would bring the country and its people together in honour of a symbol representing their pride and glory. He ended his message with the words: “Long live the homeland, long live the Flag.”
What happens at 11am?
UAE Flag Day is observed every year on November 3, marking the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession to the UAE presidency in 2004.
The initiative was launched in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed to encourage people across the country to celebrate the national flag and the values it represents. This year’s observance marks the 14th edition of Flag Day.
The nationwide flag-raising ceremony traditionally takes place at 11am, with schools, government departments and other organisations joining in. Parents are advised to check with their children’s schools for confirmed timings and details of any special arrangements on November 3.
The UAE flag was first raised on December 2, 1971, by the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, when the federation was established.
For the UAE’s diverse school communities, Flag Day also provides an opportunity to teach children about the history of the national symbol and their connection to the country they call home.
How UAE schools celebrate Flag Day
Schools across the Emirates may organise flag-raising ceremonies, special assemblies and classroom activities to familiarise pupils with the significance of the national flag.
The national anthem may be played or sung during school gatherings, while classroom sessions could explore the meaning of the flag’s red, green, white and black colours, the country’s history and the values associated with its national identity. Some schools may also arrange art projects and other flag-themed activities.
Celebrations will differ between schools, so parents should look out for announcements from their children’s institutions for details of planned activities.
For younger pupils, these events can bring ideas such as unity, respect and belonging to life through activities and shared experiences. In a country where families come from different parts of the world, the occasion also offers children an opportunity to learn about the UAE’s history and appreciate the community they are part of.
Flag Day is not simply about displaying the national symbol but also understanding its significance. School celebrations can help children connect the flag with the people, history and values that have shaped the country in which they are growing up.
What do the four flag colours represent?
The UAE flag features four colours — red, green, white and black — each representing values and ideals connected to the country’s history, identity and aspirations.
According to an official guide, red honours the sacrifices of earlier generations who helped establish the Union. Green represents growth, prosperity and cultural revival, while white reflects the UAE’s humanitarian contributions and commitment to promoting peace and security around the world. Black symbolises the strength of Emiratis and the nation’s rejection of injustice and extremism.
Is UAE Flag Day a public holiday? Will schools close?
No. UAE Flag Day is not an official public holiday, and schools are expected to operate as usual on Tuesday, November 3.
Parents should plan for a normal school and working day unless their child’s institution announces specific changes to its schedule. The observance does not automatically require families to make additional childcare arrangements.
Flag Day should not be confused with Eid Al Etihad, the UAE’s National Day, which falls on December 2 and is an official public holiday.
Although Flag Day is marked through ceremonies and activities rather than a day off, it remains an important annual occasion for schools and workplaces to come together and celebrate the country.
How should the UAE flag be treated?
Flag Day also provides an opportunity for families and schools to teach children about the proper handling and care of the national flag.
Under UAE guidelines, flags should be kept clean and in good condition. Any flag that is damaged, faded or discoloured should be replaced. Flags should also be inspected after adverse weather and, when not on display, folded neatly and stored properly.
Flags that are no longer suitable for use must be disposed of in a way that prevents them from continuing to be displayed as national flags. Burning them is not permitted under the cited guidelines.
As November 3 approaches, parents can check whether their children’s schools have planned a flag-raising ceremony or classroom activity. The occasion also offers an opportunity to talk to children about the UAE’s history, national identity and symbols.
