November 3rd marks the 11th edition of the annual UAE Flag Day. With a moment of commemoration at 10am, the country will celebrate the anniversary of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming the President of the UAE in 2004.

The nation-wide campaign began in 2013 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to honour the country’s prolific past, present and future.

uae flag day

Via @downtowndubai on Instagram

What is UAE Flag Day?

First celebrated in 2013, the idea came from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The occasion celebrates His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession as President of the UAE in 2004. The entire country is invited to unite by raising their flags at schools, offices, homes and more.

HH Sheikh Mohammed urged everyone to mark the occasion this year, too, writing on X:

“We call on all ministries and institutions in the country to raise the Emirati flag on the third of November at ten in the morning, simultaneously and with united feelings… and we call on all the people of the country to participate in this occasion”

Is UAE Flag Day a public holiday?

Unfortunately, UAE Flag Day is not an official public holiday, meaning November 3rd will not be a day off. However, it is still a significant cause for celebrations, with the UAE flag expected to be displayed proudly all over the country.

Emiratis are invited to come together to hoist the flag outside ministries, shopping malls, homes, cars, schools, offices and more.

uae flag day

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Where to see Flag displays in the UAE

Expect to see the streets of the UAE adorned in the flag’s national colours to foster a broad sense of nationalism and unity.

For a truly spectacular flag display, head down to kite beach, where several flags line up to form a field of colour against the backdrop of the infamous Burj Al Arab. A great monument of nationalism, not to mention a perfect photo-op!

uae flag day

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