Thousands of flags, one of Dubai’s best-known landmarks and a very good reason to head to the beach: the UAE Flag Garden is back at Umm Suqeim Beach. It is now in its 13th year, with the display set against Burj Al Arab, and the finishing touches are still being made.
Dubai’s Flag Garden Is Back & Here’s What We Know So Far
Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Dubai Government, is expected to share full details in the coming days. That means this year’s theme and the exact opening and closing dates have not been confirmed yet. Last year’s garden used about 11,000 flags to form aerial portraits of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the portraits change with every edition.
How Long Will It Stay?
The garden usually appears just before UAE Flag Day and stays up into the new year. The 2025 edition ran until 10 January. Treat that as a guide for now and check Brand Dubai’s announcement before you plan your trip.
Where To Find It
The garden sits on Umm Suqeim Beach, right next to Burj Al Arab. The recently opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is in the same frame, which makes for a good backdrop if you are after photos. Entry is free.
Why The Flags Go Up
The garden is part of Dubai’s build-up to UAE Flag Day and UAE National Day. Flag Day falls on Tuesday, 3 November this year and will be marked for the 14th time. Buildings across the country salute the flag on the day, which marks the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan taking office as UAE President in 2004.
A Look Back
The garden has changed its tribute every year. In 2022, the flags formed a portrait of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after he became UAE President, and the 2023 edition used 6,000 flags for portraits of Dubai’s leaders. Flag Day itself was first celebrated in 2013, an idea conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Also Read: Global Village Dubai To Celebrate UAE Flag Day With 1000 Illuminated Drones! Here’s All We Know
Plan Your Visit
You have weeks rather than days, so there is no need to rush on opening weekend. Flag Garden visits tend to bring families, friends and visitors to the same stretch of sand, so allow some time for parking and walking along the beach. Once Brand Dubai confirms the theme, you will know what the portraits are meant to show before you arrive.
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai Media Office/Website
FAQs
When does the UAE Flag Garden open and close in 2026?
The 2026 dates have not been confirmed. Brand Dubai is expected to announce full details, including this year’s theme, in the coming days. Past editions have opened just before UAE Flag Day and run until around 10 January, and the 2025 garden closed on 10 January 2026.
When is UAE Flag Day 2026 and what does it mark?
UAE Flag Day falls on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, and will be marked for the 14th time. It commemorates the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming UAE President in 2004. Buildings across the country salute the flag on the day.
