For the past two years, Flag Day has also marked the beginning of National Month, a series of celebrations running until December 2, when the UAE observes Eid Al Etihad, its National Day.
From small, palm-sized flags to enormous banners measuring 25 metres in length, traders at Dubai’s Deira Old Souk say customers and wholesalers are stepping up enquiries for UAE-themed merchandise ahead of Flag Day on November 3.
Abdul Badi, a wholesaler and retailer at the souk, said footfall at his shop had increased over the past four days, with wholesale buyers also checking on available supplies.
“We have been seeing strong demand for UAE flags ahead of Flag Day,” he said. “The flags we sell range from palm-sized ones to pieces measuring 25 metres by three metres. A one-metre-wide cotton flag starts at Dh12, while the largest flags cost between Dh600 and Dh700.”
Beyond flags, shoppers are also looking for a range of patriotic accessories. Badi’s store stocks UAE-themed badges, hand-held flags, pencils, decorative bows and other items in the country’s national colours.
Shahidul, a trader at another shop in the souk, said customers were enquiring about a wider selection of merchandise, including shawls, cups, T-shirts, children’s clothing and decorations for homes and offices.
“Demand is not limited to flags. Customers are also buying UAE-themed shawls, cups and T-shirts, clothes for children, decorative items and decorations for workplaces,” he said. “People are preparing to mark the occasion at home and at work, so they are looking for different kinds of products.”
The Flag Day preparations are also evident at supermarkets. A salesman at Kabayel in Garhoud said some shoppers had been visiting specifically to purchase flags and merchandise featuring the UAE emblem.
“For the past few days, some customers have come in just for flags and items with the flag on them,” he said. “We can see that many people are preparing for Flag Day this year.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has urged people across the country to mark Flag Day on November 3 by raising the UAE flag. In his message, he encouraged residents and institutions to display the national flag as a symbol of unity and belonging.
For the past two years, Flag Day has also marked the beginning of National Month, a period of celebrations that continues until Eid Al Etihad, the UAE’s National Day, on December 2.
Major landmarks, beaches and public spaces across the country typically embrace the occasion with colourful displays, as thousands of UAE flags are raised across the Emirates.
For retailers, the days leading up to Flag Day bring increased interest in merchandise that people can display, wear or carry, ranging from oversized flags for buildings to smaller accessories and clothing for children.
