430sqm flag hoisted from vehicle-mounted pole becomes powerful symbol of national pride.
Dubai: What started as a conversation between friends during a challenging period for the region has evolved into a Guinness World Record and a heartfelt tribute to the UAE, Ahmed Hassan Al Shehhi told.
Al Shehhi and Yahya Saeed Lootah earned the Guinness World Records title for the largest banner ever hoisted from a vehicle-mounted pole after raising a UAE flag-shaped banner measuring 429.977 square metres in Dubai on April 23, 2026.
The massive red, green, white, and black banner rose high above Dubai’s desert landscape, creating a striking visual display that quickly gained widespread attention on social media. The achievement was officially recognised by Guinness World Records, with the certificate presented on June 5.
The project was inspired by the nationwide “Proud of UAE” campaign launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a challenging period in the region. The initiative encouraged citizens and residents to raise the UAE flag as a symbol of unity, resilience, and national pride.
“Proud of our country, proud of our President, proud of our Armed Forces, and proud of our citizens and residents,” Al Shehhi said.
A video titled Proud of UAE, published on April 23, quickly gained widespread attention online. Following its viral success, Guinness World Records contacted Al Shehhi to confirm that the project had been officially recognised as a world-record achievement.
From idea to world record
The concept was born out of discussions between Al Shehhi, Yahya Lootah, and Nasser Lootah, who wanted to create a distinctive tribute to the UAE flag.
“I shared the idea, and the response was simple: ‘Tell us what you need, and we are ready,’” Al Shehhi said.
The team used an International MXT truck equipped with a specially engineered flagpole measuring approximately 30 metres in length and 15 metres in height, designed to support and raise the massive banner above the desert landscape.
Although the project was completed within just six days of work beginning on April 13, it required significant engineering expertise, meticulous planning, and extensive logistical coordination.
One of the biggest challenges was finding a suitable location for the attempt. The team ultimately chose the runway area at Skydive Dubai, where the open space and favourable conditions made the record attempt feasible. Al Shehhi expressed his gratitude to Skydive Dubai for its cooperation and for granting access to the runway, which played a key role in the project’s success.
Al Shehhi said all necessary approvals were obtained in record time, enabling the team to move ahead with the project without delay.
He also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, for the support and facilitation that helped make the record-breaking achievement possible.
“Dubai has always inspired people to think big and transform ambitious ideas into reality,” Al Shehhi said.
Nine Guinness World Records
The latest achievement takes Ahmed Al Shehhi’s tally of Guinness World Records to nine.
The 38-year-old Emirati is widely recognised as the UAE’s first jet suit pilot and a prominent figure in skydiving and wingsuit flying, with eight of his records linked to aerial sports.
His record-breaking journey began in 2021 with a high-altitude skydive in Dubai. Since then, he has achieved several world records and completed 16 jumps from the Burj Khalifa for filming and production projects.
In 2025, he carried out a BASE jump from a height of 500 metres off the Burj Khalifa while wearing a traditional Emirati kandura as part of the XDubai EXIT139.
“My mother and family were incredibly proud,” he said.
Al Shehhi dedicated the achievement to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Rulers of the UAE.
“This was a tribute to the UAE, its leadership, and its people,” he said. “Every achievement we accomplish is inspired by the limitless support we receive in this country.”
Looking ahead, Al Shehhi said he hopes to become one of the first athletes to fly in a wingsuit alongside military aircraft and to inspire young Emiratis to pursue ambitious goals and push the boundaries of what is possible.
He also expressed hope that his journey would inspire young Emiratis to pursue bold ideas and ambitious goals.
“The UAE provides an environment where dreams can become reality,” he said. “My message to young people is to believe in their ideas, work hard, and never be afraid to aim high.”
