Look: Sheikh Mohamed raises UAE flag with astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi, shares hope for the future

The UAE's celebrations leading up to it's Independence Day start during the pleasant months of the year.

Kicking off the national occasions is UAE's flag day, which takes place every November 3rd, after it was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai back in 2013.

Emiratis and expats come together to honour the nation's feats by raising its colours high with pride.

This year, the Emirates has seen accomplishments across various fields, with conquering space being its biggest.

To honour the pristine occasion, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a moment from his Flag Day celebrations.

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The President shared a picture of him hoisting the flag at Qasr Al Hosn, as he was joined by Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi who completed a pioneering six-month mission aboard the International Space Station earlier this year, during which he became the first Arab to perform a spacewalk

"On Flag Day, we stand in unity to raise the UAE flag which symbolises the pride and loyalty of the nation. As we join together to mark this occasion, I remain fully confident in the ability of the next generation to create a brighter future for all," wrote the President.

Qasr Al Hosn is a location that was central to the early growth of the nation and remains a cultural and historic landmark today. The ceremony included a guard of honour who greeted the President upon his arrival, and a performance of the national anthem after the flag had been raised.

Heartwarming snippet

The President's son, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council shared an endearing snippet from their celebrations, as they were surrounded by the little ones.

"Oh God, make this country safe and reassured and all other Muslim countries," wrote the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince was also seen attending the flag hoisting ceremony at Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.

The leader reaffirmed that the UAE flag will always be raised high to bear witness to the achievements of the founding fathers in establishing a unified nation that continues to achieve the aspirations of its people.

Taking to X, Sheikh Khaled shared photos from the day.

Moment of pride

• Look: Sheikh Mohammed receives UAE flag that astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi took to space during historic mission