ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has called on all residents to fly high the nation’s colours on Tuesday for Flag Day.
“The UAE Flag Day is a national occasion where we remember the efforts of our founders, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, and their brothers who sacrificed everything for the sake of our nation,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“We are continuing our march under the leadership of my brother, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to become one of the leading nations.
“On this occasion, we would like to renew our commitment to the people of the UAE that we will do our utmost to serve our nation so that our flag will fly high in every field.”
November 3 marks the day Sheikh Khalifa was sworn in as President after the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed.
Sheikh Mohammed urged all government offices to raise the flag at noon on Tuesday and reaffirm their allegiance to the nation.
He described the flag as “a symbol of the country’s unity and greatness that represents our aspirations for a better future for the people of the UAE”.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Community Development tweeted on Sunday that the flag had been chosen from among 1,030 designs.
The minister, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, said this year’s celebrations would honour the members of the Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives.
“This year’s celebration of the UAE flag has great meaning,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
A Cabinet guide shows red symbolises the sacrifices of previous generations who laid the foundations for the Union, and of the nation’s martyrs.
Green symbolises growth, prosperity, and cultural renaissance, while the white displays the nation’s charitable contributions and support for security and peace in the world.
Black reflects the strength of Emiratis, and their rejection of injustice and extremism.
The ministry will host events at its cultural centres in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the Western Region, including a lecture about the history and meaning of the flag, which will be held in the capital.
It is collaborating with shopping centres across the country for cultural events, including 20 performances of the play Al Sina’a in Dubai Festival City and Yas Mall.
Vibrant celebrations are expected around the country.
Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi and American University of Sharjah say they will join other institutions to host flag day celebrations at noon.
Sheikh Mohammed has endorsed patriotic music for the occasion, including the National Anthem, and four songs by local artists on behalf of the ministry, titled O Flag, The Flag is Life and Death, The Flag's Highness, and Stay Proud.
The National Anthem is not only about music, it is a symbol of our national identity and the unity of the nation, he said.
“It is an expression of our close bonds and love for our country and dedication to serve our nation,” he said.
“We call upon the people of the UAE to ensure that the values that the National Anthem celebrates are always upheld.”
esamoglou@thenational.ae
