UAE Flag Day: The Meaning Behind the UAE Flag Colours
- Publish date: Monday، 27 October 2025 Reading time: 1 min read | Last update: Monday، 03 November 2025
The UAE celebrates unity and pride this November 3, as the nation raises its flag high in honour of its enduring symbol.
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The UAE flag’s four bold colours — red, green, white, and black — stand as a timeless emblem of Arab unity, strength, and pride. As the country gears up to celebrate UAE Flag Day 2025 on Monday, November 3, the flag’s meaning takes centre stage once again, symbolising the spirit that binds the nation together.
Although Flag Day is not an official public holiday, Emiratis and expatriates across the country will raise the UAE flag at offices, schools, homes, and public spaces to mark the 13th anniversary of this patriotic occasion.
The UAE flag was first hoisted by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on December 2, 1971, marking the union of the Emirates.
The story behind the UAE flag
The national flag was designed by Abdullah Mohammad Al Maainah, who was just a young Emirati when he saw an advertisement calling for flag design submissions. His creation was chosen, and he would later go on to serve as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
What do the colours mean?
Red: Symbolises hardiness, bravery, strength, and courage. The vertical red band also represents the unity of all meanings together.
Green: Represents hope, joy, optimism, love, and prosperity.
White: Stands for peace, honesty, and purity — the cleanest and most noble of colours.
Black: Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t symbolise oil; rather, it represents the defeat of enemies and the strength of mind.
This Flag Day, the UAE once again reaffirms its national pride, waving a flag that embodies unity, peace, and resilience — values that have shaped the nation’s journey for over five decades.