Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan hoist UAE flag at Expo 2020

The UAE flag is flying high across the country as leaders and residents mark the Flag Day.

The Expo 2020 Dubai site is abuzz. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has hoisted the flag in the Al Wasl Plaza.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was also present at the ceremony. He said that the Flag Day is an occasion for citizens to renew their commitment to the nation.

The UAE flag inspires a strong sense of national loyalty and belonging among the country’s citizens, he added.

“The UAE flag will always be a symbol of national pride that represents the country’s unique identity and values. Our nation’s flag constantly reminds us to keep striving to achieve greater heights and go the extra mile to accomplish the highest excellence in everything that we do, so that our efforts will benefit all of humanity,” he said.

He called on all Emiratis to strengthen their efforts to accelerate the country’s development and raise its status among the global community of nations. The Flag Day is an occasion to recommit to our responsibilities and renew our pledge to strive for our nation’s progress, he said.

Earlier today, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paid tribute to the national symbol.

“Fifty years ago, a historic design competition was held to choose the flag that would represent our country on the world stage. On the occasion of Flag Day, the UAE flag is flown with pride across each of the seven Emirates in an enduring display of national unity,” he posted on Twitter.

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It was on December 2, 1971, that the UAE flag was first hoisted to mark the country's union. This year marks the 50th year of that union.

The UAE flag’s design was chosen in a nationwide design contest that saw more than 1,030 entries submitted.

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