Next Tuesday, November 3, the UAE is being asked to do one simple thing together: raise the flag. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has urged everyone in the country to take part in this year’s Flag Day.
Who Has Been Asked To Join In
الإخوة والأخوات..
نحتفي الأسبوع المقبل، في الثالث من نوفمبر، بلحظة وطنية مهمة تجسد محبتنا وفخرنا وولاءنا لوطننا.. نحتفي بيوم العلم.
ندعو الجميع.. مواطنين ومقيمين.. مؤسسات ووزارات.. مدارس وجامعات.. بيوت في كافة الإمارات.. لرفعه عالياً شامخاً عزيزاً خفاقاً في سماء بلادنا..
لحظة وطنية واحدة.. يقف فيها الوطن وأبناء الوطن ..أمام رمز عزتنا ومجدنا..
نفديه بأرواحنا.. ونبذل من أجل رفعته حياتنا ودماءنا..عاش الوطن.. وعاش العلم.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 27, 2026
Nobody has been left out. Sheikh Mohammed addressed citizens and residents, ministries and government institutions, schools and universities, and families in homes across all seven emirates. His request was to hoist the flag high so it flies proudly over the country.
He described Flag Day as a single national moment, when the homeland and its people stand together before the symbol of their honour and pride. He closed with the words, “Long live the homeland, long live the Flag.”
When Is The Flag Raised?
As in previous years, the nationwide flag-raising is expected at 11am, when government entities, schools, offices and organisations raise the flag at the same time.
Is It A Public Holiday?
No. November 3 falls on a Tuesday this year and remains a regular working day. Celebrations happen at workplaces, schools and public spaces instead. Don’t confuse it with Eid Al Etihad, the UAE National Day on December 2, which is an official public holiday.
Why November 3?
The date marks the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming UAE President in 2004. Flag Day was first observed in 2013, which makes this year’s edition the 14th. The flag itself was first raised on December 2, 1971, by the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About 10th UAE Flag Day Being Celebrated On Nov 3
How To Take Part
At Home
Hang the flag from a balcony, villa gate, or rooftop. Before you raise it, check that it isn’t damaged or tangled.
At School Or Work
Institutions across the country raise the flag together, and the national anthem is often played. Ask your school or office whether a ceremony is planned.
Flag Etiquette Worth Knowing
Under the UAE Cabinet’s flag guidelines, the flag should be kept clean and ironed and replaced if it is torn, faded or discoloured. It should be checked after bad weather. When it’s not on display, fold it neatly and store it. An old flag should be folded away or cut up so it no longer looks like the flag. Burning it is not allowed.
Flag Day is a reminder that the UAE’s four colours, red, green, white and black, belong to everyone who calls it home.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Oneinchpunch
FAQs
Why November 3?
The date marks the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming UAE President in 2004. Flag Day was first observed in 2013, which makes this year’s edition the 14th. The flag itself was first raised on December 2, 1971, by the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Is It A Public Holiday?
No. November 3 falls on a Tuesday this year and remains a regular working day. Celebrations happen at workplaces, schools and public spaces instead. Don’t confuse it with Eid Al Etihad, the UAE National Day on December 2, which is an official public holiday.
