UAE Flag Day 2026: History, Colour Meanings and Rules for Displaying the National Flag

The UAE Flag: Its 1971 Origins, the Meaning of Its Four Colours and Display Rules for Residents.

Dubai: Every year on November 3, the UAE celebrates Flag Day, an occasion that symbolises national unity, identity and pride.

Ahead of this year’s celebrations, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has urged citizens, residents, government institutions, schools, universities and households to raise the UAE flag on November 3.

Sheikh Mohammed described Flag Day as a celebration of the nation’s love, pride and loyalty to the homeland, calling on people across all seven emirates to take part.

But why is UAE Flag Day observed on November 3? What do the flag’s four colours represent, and what rules should residents follow when displaying the national flag? Here is what you need to know.

What Is UAE Flag Day?

First celebrated in 2013, UAE Flag Day marks the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession as President of the UAE in 2004.

Since then, the occasion has become an important annual national event, bringing Emiratis and expatriates together to celebrate unity, identity and national pride ahead of the UAE’s Eid Al Etihad celebrations in December.

UAE Flag Day is not a public holiday. Schools, offices and government institutions typically mark the occasion with flag-raising ceremonies and other activities.

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 was designed by Abdullah Al Maeena, who won a national design competition organised by Al-Ittihad newspaper in 1971.

Its four colours — red, green, white and black — were inspired by a verse from a poem by Safi al-Din al-Hilli: “White are our acts, green our fields, black our battles, and red our swords.”

Each colour carries a distinct meaning:

• Red represents courage and sacrifice.
• Green symbolises prosperity and growth.
• White stands for peace and honesty.
• Black signifies strength and determination.

UAE Flag Day Rules: How to Display and Care for the Flag

Under the UAE Flag Guidelines issued by the UAE Cabinet, the national flag must be treated with respect at all times and kept in good condition.

Here are seven important rules to follow:

1. Keep the flag clean and ironed: Ensure the flag remains neat and presentable whenever it is displayed.
2. Replace damaged flags: Torn, faded or discoloured flags should be replaced.
3. Inspect the flag before raising it: Check for damage or tangles before hoisting the flag.
4. Check the flag after bad weather: Inspect it following storms or severe weather to ensure it remains in good condition.
5. Dispose of worn-out flags respectfully: Old flags should be folded and stored carefully or recycled by cutting them into pieces so they no longer resemble the national flag. Burning the flag is prohibited under the guidelines for environmental reasons.
6. Never insult or deliberately damage the flag: Lowering the flag in contempt, tearing it or damaging it in a way that constitutes an insult is a criminal offence under Article 3 of Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2019.
7. Fold and store the flag properly: When not in use, the flag should be neatly folded and kept in a designated flag box.