Representing unity – Learn all about the UAE flag
- UAE Flag History
- Design of the UAE Flag
- Colours of the UAE Flag
- Flags of the Emirates
- UAE Flag Facts
- FAQs
The flag of the United Arab Emirates has been a source of great pride for Emiratis. But what does it mean, and how did it come to be? Read on to find out more information about the UAE flag.
UAE Flag History
The UAE flag story is intriguing.
The Trucial States, also known as the Trucial States of the Coast of Oman, were a group of tribal confederacies in southeastern Arabia as designated by the British government.
The term defined territories whose sheikhs had signed protective treaties with the British government from the early 1800s to 1892. The flag that was eventually chosen to represent the alliance was a red and white tri-band with a seven-pointed star representing the seven sheikdoms. This was the old UAE flag.
The truce was abolished in 1971, after which six sheikhdoms — Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman — formed the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah joined the Federation in 1972.
The final flag used the Pan-Arab colours—red, green, white and black. The four-colour design includes three horizontal stripes with a vertical red band on the right. This was the evolution of the UAE flag.
Who designed the UAE flag?
Who created the UAE flag? Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, a 19-year-old, originally designed it. His design was one of many competing to become the official symbol of the country’s union. He understood the essence and importance of the UAE flag and put all his efforts into winning the competition. Now you know who designed the UAE flag.
The new flag was originally raised for the first time on 2nd December 1971 by the country’s founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Representing unity, the Pan-Arab colours are a staple in all national, religious, social, sports and other events in the United Arab Emirates. The flag is also mentioned in the UAE national anthem.
The United Arab Emirates emblem
One of the interesting UAE flag facts is that only the President of the United Arab Emirates is allowed to raise the UAE flag with the falcon emblem. This version is also known as the UAE presidential flag.
The emblem of the UAE was originally a golden hawk. It also had a circular red shield with seven stars and a white Arab sailboat. This was the country’s official emblem until 2008, before the shield’s design was changed to the national flag.
UAE Flag Meaning
The history of the UAE flag directly impacts its design, especially the colours chosen for it.
The flag represents UAE citizens and the values that make the nation great—like achievement, dignity, pride, safety, peace and happiness.
The red stripe is closest to the pole, and the green is on top when using the flag.
Here is a brief look at the UAE flag colour meaning:
Red
The vertical red stripe in the flag means “together in unity,” the red represents strength, hardiness and bravery. It symbolises the sacrifices of previous generations who laid the foundations for the Union.
Green
The green bar in the UAE flag symbolises the country’s natural resources, agricultural heritage and prosperity.
White
The white colour in the UAE flag represents peace and the country’s charitable contributions.
Black
The black stripe represents courage and power. It reflects the strength of Emirati citizens and their rejection of extremism and injustice. Learn more about Emirati traditions in our guide.
Flags of the Emirates
Each emirate has its own flag, but they ultimately answer to the federal flag. The flag of Abu Dhabi is a 1:2 red field with a white rectangle on the top left.
On the other hand:
- The flag of Ajman and Dubai features the same 1:2 red field and a vertical white portion on the left.
- From 1952 to 1961, Fujairah’s flag featured a red field with its name in the middle (pictured left) before replacing it with the federal flag in 1975.
- Umm Al Quwain’s flag has a red background, a white bar at the hoist, and a left-facing white crescent and star in the centre. The illustrations were added to distinguish it from the flags of Dubai and Ajman.
- Since the two branches of the same house rule, RAK and Sharjah, have similar flag designs—a red rectangle on a white background.
Facts about the UAE Flag
Enrich your knowledge of the history of the UAE flag with these facts:
- The UAE’s founder, the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was the first to hoist the flag.
- UAE Flag Day is held the same day as H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s first day as president.
- The length of the flag is twice its width. The red section should always be on top when held vertically, with the black part on the left.
UAE Flag Day
November 3rd was officially declared UAE flag day in 2013 — thereby commemorating the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the first president of the UAE.
That day, the nation’s flag is raised everywhere in the UAE, including ministries and organisations. While it is not a public holiday, citizens are encouraged to celebrate it in honour of the nation’s unity. Schools around the country organise various activities to celebrate the day. The same zeal can be observed during National Day celebrations in Dubai, a public holiday in the country.
FAQs
Are there any rules for displaying the flag?
There are. An official rule is that any UAE flag on an official display must be changed every six months to ensure visual integrity. It also has to be inspected after intense storms to ensure its integrity and ability to flap freely.
Why is UAE Flag Day celebrated?
The country’s national flag is honoured on UAE Flag Day. It marks the date when His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became President of the United Arab Emirates in 2004. Now you know about the UAE Flag Day history.
How often should the UAE flag be checked for damage?
An unofficial rule is that those who display it in their homes should check its condition every 45 days to ensure that it appears brand new every time.
When is UAE Flag Day celebrated?
The day is commemorated every November 3rd since its launch in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Learn about the history of Dubai for more insight.
The history of the UAE flag tells the story of the nation. The country’s flag is one of many national symbols of the UAE. Other symbols representing the UAE include the UAE currency symbols.
For more information on everything about the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
