From Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, UAE leaders unite in national pride on Flag Day 2025
Marked every 3 November, the day reflects belonging, sovereignty and shared values
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked Flag Day on Monday, with ceremonies held across all emirates to honour the national flag as a symbol of unity, loyalty, and sovereignty.
Established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2013, the annual occasion – observed every 3 November – unites the country’s leadership and citizens in celebration of national pride and shared identity.
From Abu Dhabi’s historic Qasr Al Hosn to Dubai’s iconic DIFC Gate Building and Ras Al Khaimah’s Corniche, the red, green, white, and black banner waved proudly, uniting citizens and residents in celebration of the Union’s enduring spirit.
The day also marked the start of the National Month campaign, which runs until Eid Al Etihad on 2 December, culminating in the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations.
Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the Flag Day ceremonies. On Monday morning at historic Qasr Al Hosn, the President raised the UAE flag alongside a group of retired Emirati service personnel, symbolising national honour and remembrance. He remarked that the flag-raising “stands as a symbol of national pride and unity,” noting that the servicemen’s presence “reflected the deep loyalty and dedication” of Emiratis across generations. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to keep the flag flying high, honouring the values instilled by the UAE’s Founding Fathers.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, also participated in the Flag Day events. Sheikh Khaled raised the flag at the Zayed National Museum, describing the occasion as “a historic national moment that reflects the deep sense of belonging and loyalty our people hold for their nation and its leadership”.
He added that under the leadership of His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE continues on “a steadfast path of excellence and distinction,” guided by enduring values and the belief that empowered citizens are key to the nation’s future.
Dubai
In Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, attended a Flag Day ceremony at the Gate Building in Dubai International Financial Centre. Organised by Brand Dubai in collaboration with DIFC, the event saw Sheikh Mohammed joined by 150 schoolchildren to raise the national flag beneath a large tribute mural to the late founders.
He said the UAE flag will always represent “pride, dignity, and progress,” reflecting the nation’s development under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai (also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence), marked the occasion with a community initiative. He launched a volunteering art session for people of determination at Al Mamzar Park as part of the nationwide ‘7 Over 7’ campaign to encourage community service. Sheikh Hamdan praised the creative energy of the participants as embodying “the spirit of unity and belonging,” noting that giving and creativity unite all segments of society under the UAE’s banner.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, said Flag Day is a “cherished national occasion” that embodies the highest values of loyalty and belonging. He noted it is a moment of pride when Emiratis remember the achievements of the Union’s founders and renew their pledge to advance the country’s progress. Sheikh Maktoum affirmed that the UAE flag will “forever remain a proud symbol of unity, dignity, and the strong bond between the leadership and people”.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, said the event symbolises the unity and shared identity of the nation’s people. He called Flag Day an opportunity to reaffirm citizens’ “deep sense of belonging, their loyalty to the leadership, and their dedication to upholding the nation’s flag” as the ultimate symbol of national pride. Both deputy rulers extended congratulations to the President and the Rulers of the other Emirates on this occasion, underlining the theme of national unity.
UAE Flag Day across the emirates
Flag Day was also marked in each emirate with local ceremonies. In Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, led the celebrations on Flag Island. The Crown Prince called Flag Day “a cherished occasion” that strengthens loyalty and belonging, emphasising that the UAE flag represents the nation’s “dignity, honour, and aspirations”. He noted that the flag has always symbolised the Union’s unity and that it is raised ever higher by the achievements of Emiratis.
The Sharjah ceremony featured a police honour guard and the Sharjah Police Academy band, and was attended by senior local dignitaries.
In Ajman, Ruler His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi issued a Flag Day statement. He described the national flag as “a beacon of unity and a source of inspiration for every Emirati” and said the day renews the promise to safeguard the nation’s achievements and keep the flag flying “with pride and glory”. Sheikh Humaid called the occasion a reflection of the people’s loyalty and belonging, inspiring renewed efforts to achieve the UAE’s development goals.
In Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler, raised the flag on Al Qawasim Corniche. He said Flag Day embodies the “values of pride, loyalty and belonging to the homeland”. Sheikh Saud noted it is the day when the nation raises its flag “as a symbol of unity and cohesion,” reflecting the dedication of the Founding Fathers.
He described the occasion as a renewal of the pledge of loyalty, reaffirming unity and solidarity so that “our flag always remains a source of inspiration and a driving force” for the country’s aspirations. The Ruler was accompanied by his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, and other senior officials.
In Fujairah, Supreme Council Member and Ruler His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi said Flag Day is a “shining national occasion” that inspires determination to continue the UAE’s journey of unity and development under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s leadership. He affirmed that on this day loyalty is renewed and the UAE’s “story of unity and brotherhood” is shared with the world, as generosity and tolerance remain central values uniting the people under one flag.
Other ceremonies took place nationwide. In Dubai, organisations and institutions hosted their own flag-raising events at 11am. Dubai Airports held a ceremony at Terminal 3 led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, who hoisted the flag and welcomed staff and partners to reaffirm their commitment to the UAE’s development and Dubai’s global leadership.
Business and community leaders – such as Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem of DP World – also joined in, underscoring the flag’s role as a unifying emblem of the nation’s progress.
Across the country, citizens and residents took part in the celebrations, demonstrating their loyalty and pride under the nation’s colours.