UAE national symbols: History, meaning and facts
In 1971, seven sheikdoms were united under a single identity to form one of the most influential countries in the world: the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Various regional symbols characterised this federal union’s identity. Today, MyBayut looks at all the UAE national symbols that represent this remarkable nation.
National Symbols of the UAE
Before the unification of the UAE, the seven sheikdoms, namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain, were known as the Trucial States. Thanks to the joint effort of the rulers H.H. (the late) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and H.H. (the late) Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai, all these sheikdoms were converted into the emirates of the UAE. This federal union gave birth to a new country, which needed new symbols and emblems to represent it.
Here is a list of the national symbols of UAE with pictures that were formed to represent the federal union.
THE NATIONAL FLAG OF THE UAE
The most important national symbol of any country is the flag. The UAE flag, also known as the Emirati flag, has an interesting history of how it came to become one of the most prominent national symbols of the UAE. After the federal union was formed in 1971, a national flag UAE designing competition was announced via the Al Ittihad newspaper. Over 1,000 designs were submitted, from which only six were shortlisted. Eventually, the four-colour flag we see today was chosen as the winner.
It was designed by a young Emirati named Abdullah Mohammad Al Maena, whose designs were inspired by Saifiul Deen Al Goll’s poem on Arab Unity. He was awarded AED 4k for his design. The poem described the colours used in the UAE flag: White for good deeds (peace), green for fertile plains (growth and prosperity), black for the darkness of battles (courage and power) and red for swords (sacrifice and bravery).
THE UAE NATIONAL ANTHEM
The UAE national anthem is called the Ishi Biladi, meaning “Long live my nation.” Just as works on the UAE flag came into existence, Mohammad Abdul Wahab, a famous Egyptian composer, was tasked with composing the UAE national anthem. The lyrics were later written in 1986 by poet and scholar Arif Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan, after which it was officially adopted as the UAE national anthem.
THE UAE NATIONAL EMBLEM
The national emblem of the UAE, or the UAE Coat of Arms, is represented by a falcon with a UAE flag at the heart. The falcon represents strength and heritage, while the flag at the centre with the seven stars around it represents the unity of the seven emirates.
When the emblem was adopted in 1971, it featured a sailing Dhow at the centre instead of the UAE flag and seven stars. It was then redesigned in 2008 to reflect the UAE’s growth and the emirates’ strength.
NATIONAL LOGO OF UAE
The national logo of UAE is called 7 Lines, symbolising the nation’s seven emirates. These lines stand tall and firm, reflecting the unwavering spirit and shared goals the country’s founding fathers instilled.
UAE CURRENCY
The Emirati dirham is the official currency of the UAE. It is represented by the abbreviations such as AED, Dh or Dhs. The Arabic UAE dirham symbol is represented as د.إ
The word dirham dates back to the trading industry in the Ottoman Empire. It was adopted as the official currency of the UAE on 19 May 1973 and replaced the Qatar and Dubai riyal that was previously circulated. Both the coins and banknotes of the UAE dirham feature national symbols of the UAE on both faces. Here’s a guide to UAE currency symbols and their meaning to know more about them.
Other United Arab Emirates Symbols
Apart from those mentioned above, many other national symbols represent the UAE.
What is the national bird of the UAE?
The falcon is the UAE’s national bird. It is only fitting that this majestic bird is one of the UAE’s national symbols, as falconry itself is a major aspect of Emirati culture and traditions. Falcon national symbols of UAE represent strength, national heritage and agility. The image of the falcon is seen on the UAE emblem and most banknotes.
What is the national animal of the UAE?
The Arabian Oryx is the national animal of the UAE. In Arabic, it’s called Al Maha. Due to its large presence here, there is a common misconception that the Camel is the national animal of the UAE, but in fact, it’s the Arabian Oryx.
For many years, these captivating creatures were considered extinct in the wild, but thanks to Saudi Arabia’s and the UAE’s preservation efforts, they were brought back into the wild. The Arabian oryx is also a UAE currency symbol on the obverse of the 50 dirham note.
What is the national fruit of the UAE?
The UAE’s national fruit is dates. They grow abundantly in the region and are used in various Emirati dishes.
FAQS
WHO WROTE THE WORDS OF THE UAE’S NATIONAL ANTHEM?
The UAE’s national anthem was written in 1986 by Dr Asif Al Sheikh, and the melody for Ishi Biladi was composed by an Egyptian composer, Saad Abdel Wahab, in 1971/1972.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL TREE OF THE UAE?
The UAE’s national tree is the Ghaf Tree, also known as Prosopis cineraria. The Al Ghaf tree inspired the logo for the Year Of Tolerance Initiative.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL FLOWER OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
The United Arab Emirates’ national flower is Tribulus Omanense, a delicate flower with vibrant yellow petals. Also known as the “desert flower,” it thrives in the arid climate and symbolises the nation’s resilience and enduring spirit.
WHAT IS THERE FOR HISTORY LOVERS IN THE UAE?
Those who find Arab world history interesting will find several tentative and official UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE. The UAE also has several archaeological sites, including the Hili Archaeological Park, Baynunah Fossil Site and Jebel Hafeet Tombs.
WHAT DOES THE UAE SYMBOLISE?
The UAE symbolises both unity and progress. The flag colours reflect its land and ambitions, while the falcon in its emblem represents strength.
This wraps up our blog on the national symbols of the UAE with names. The UAE has a rich history, with its roots in Bedouin life. Learn some interesting facts about Dubai’s history or dig deeper to understand the evolution of the capital with these rare facts about Abu Dhabi’s history.
If you want to learn more about the UAE’s culture, heritage or ethos, stay tuned to MyBayut.
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Thank you Shahed! Do check out other articles and send us your valuable feedback!
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