The UAE flag was adopted on December 2nd, 1971 at a historical meeting between Their Highnesses, the Rulers of the UAE, at Jumeirah Palace in Dubai. This was a momentous occasion where the Declaration of the Union was also announced and the President and Vice-President of the UAE were elected.

It was on this day that the newly elected President, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, raised the UAE flag for the first time in a ceremony marked by 21 cannon shots fired in celebration.

The Arab World and the international community welcomed the UAE as a sovereign country, which seeks to preserve its independence, security and stability; a nation that strives to overcome any threats of aggression and protect the rights and liberties of its people.

Based on principles laid out in the Charter of the League of Arab States and the United Nations, the UAE supports the interests and causes of fellow Arabs and Muslims, whilst welcoming friendship and cooperation with people from all countries around the world.

The flag was designed by Abdullah Mohammad Al Maainah, who later became a Minister-Counselor in the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Inspired by the colours of Arab unity, green, white, black and red, Mr Al Maainah honoured the poet Safi al-Din al-Hilli whose well-known poem describes the white as purity of motives and deeds, black for battles, green for vast fields, and red for the swords drenched in the blood of the brave martyrs.

Mr Al Maainah’s design, selected from approximately 1,030 entrants in the UAE flag design competition, signifies:

• Green for growth, prosperity, development, splendours, continued growth and progress.
• White for good deeds, giving and generosity, striving to achieve and spread peace.
• Black for power, strength and resilience people.
• Red for the sacrifices of our nation’s sons, the legacy of their bravery, and the martyrdom instilled in the blood of courageous soldiers.

Our flag is our honour and pride – the key symbol of our national identity. As patriotic Emiratis and residents who cherish this kind and giving nation, we raise the flag as an expression of love, loyalty, devotion and pride.

The flag shall be seen raised high on top of government buildings, in front of hotels, above airport control towers, on sea and at land ports, stadiums, schools, universities, institutions, homes and rooftops.

The flag is a national emblem of the UAE. It should be placed on everything produced in the UAE, including all official documents, websites, publications, programs and media channels. It is our declaration of national pride and belonging.

• The flag shall always be clean and ironed.
• The flag shall be routinely changed to preserve its color and sheen. It shall be replaced in the case that it gets torn.
• The flag shall be tested to ensure its integrity after strong winds.
• In the case that the flag was torn, it shall be slowly lowered and folded and either stored in the appropriate place or recycled.
• It is forbidden to tear or insult the flag.
• It is forbidden to hang or raise the flag in a position that is lower than another flag.
• When the national anthem is played and the flag is raised, everyone shall stand up facing the flag.
• The military salute shall be performed by military and security personnel while raising it.

National Unity

All communities in our society work towards serving the nation, to raise its flag high.

Union

Affirming that the UAE’s flag is its primary identity and the central symbol of unified efforts.

Peace

Affirming that peaceful coexistence is among its sons and daughters, and between them and the residents on this land.

Al Bayt Mitwahid

The people of the United Arab Emirates are united in their loyalty to their leaders and their love for their nation.

Tolerance

The United Arab Emirates is a nation of tolerance, as different nationalities come together under its flag.

Independence

We are a dignified and independent people. Our independence is the bridge of our unity and the foundation of our strength.

Sovereignty

Our country is sovereign in its land, sea and air.

Honor

Our pride is an honor that cannot be defeated nor abused; my nation is dear to my heart.

Glory

Glorifying the nation is dignity, civilization and nobility. The UAE’s glory is my glory, and its continued progress is my wish.

Pride

We are proud of our nation, the United Arab Emirates, and its past glory and present innovation, from cradle to grade.

Freedom

To raise our flag is a sign of our freedom and belonging to the great nation.