Patriotism flies high on UAE Flag Day

The UAE Flag fluttered atop government buildings, skyscrapers and residential buildings on Sunday as Emiratis as well as expats responded to the national call and celebrated UAE Flag Day.
Last week, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called on UAE communities to raise the national flag at 11am on November 3 to mark the day, a national occasion launched by him in 2013 to mark the accession of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 2004.
The celebrations on Sunday were led by Sheikh Mohammed himself, who hoisted the flag in Downtown Dubai, in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa. A number of students from various schools also attended the event.
Sheikh Mohammed said: "The UAE flag is a symbol of unity and a source of pride. The people of the country raise it high with their achievements and successes. We have seen our flag fluttering in many parts of the world, carrying with it the promise of goodness and the hope of a better tomorrow and we now take it to outer space to achieve Zayed's vision."
He added: "It is our responsibility to protect our flag. On this day, we must also remember the sacrifices of our martyrs and the heroic efforts of our soldiers. We extend our respect and appreciation to those who have flown our flag high in all walks of life."
Joining in the celebrations, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, tweeted: "On Flag Day, we celebrate the title of our Union, the symbol of our identity and pride. We renew the pledge of loyalty to our nation and promise to keep our flag high as we received it from our parents and grandparents."
To commemorate Flag Day, the Government of Dubai Media Office launched the sixth edition of 'Flag Garden' at Kite Beach in Jumeirah. Open till December 10 for the public, the 'Flag Garden' features 4,500 UAE flags arranged to create portraits of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
Responding to Sheikh Mohammed's call, leaders, government officials and citizens as well as expat communities held several functions across the country and raised the flag and proclaimed their solidarity to the nation.
In Sharjah, Flag Day was celebrated on the Flag Island, where a massive gathering of people from various nationalities came together to share their love and pride for the nation.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com