Raise the flag high, fly it with pride

Dubai - The UAE Flag Day, which was celebrated on November 2 this year, was commemorated with much fervour across the country.

As the clock ticked 11am on Thursday, UAE flags were raised across various government entities, private companies and residential houses.

The UAE Flag Day, which was celebrated on November 2 this year, was commemorated with much fervour across the country with leaders, citizens and residents participating in flag hoisting events.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, hoisted national flag with his daughter Sheikha Al Jalila and hundreds of young students at the historic Union House, where the documents were signed that created the Arab world's historic federation of states on December 2, 1971.

On the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted: "The flag of our Emirates is the symbol of our union and strength. It is the pride of parents and children. Under its banner, we continue our journey of development and progress. For its glory, our young people are building the future UAE."

His wife Princess Haya bint Hussain posted Sheikh Mohammed's picture with their daughter Sheikha Al Jalila with the caption, "Raise it high, keep it proud."

The day is marked on November 3 every year since it was first launched in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed. The day marks the accession of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the office of the President of the UAE in 2004. However, this year the Ministry of Cabinet and the Future announced it would take place on November 2.

Employees of the Department of Finance gather for the UAE Flag Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi. - Photo by Ryan Lim

Meanwhile, His highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, tweeted: "On Flag Day, we recall the efforts of the early founders and their sacrifices in forming a united nation on the principles of goodness, tolerance and love.

"The UAE flag is the symbol of our unity and strength. It will remain high and proud, from which we will continue to draw the values of sacrifice, building and action."

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, paid tribute to founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan with an emotional post. "My flag was raised by Zayed. It is our responsibility that we live to raise."

Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, witnessed the flag-raising ceremony in front of the Dubai Police Headquarters, in the presence of other senior officers and dignitaries.

Men performing traditional dance Ayyala after the flag-hoisting ceremony at The Flag Island in Sharjah. - Photo by M. Sajjad

The celebration of the flag day began with all the participants greeting the flag. Then the Dubai Police Band played the national anthem of the UAE. The event was attended by the Dubai Police Cavalry, students from 88 public schools and 22 private schools, who formed the flag of the UAE in front of the Dubai Police Headquarters.

(With inputs from Jasmine Al Kuttab and Amira Agarib)