If you’re new to the UAE, you might be wondering what’s all this talk about UAE Flag Day and is it the same as UAE Union Day? Not to worry, because I’ve got you covered – I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know, from what the day represents, to the meaning behind each colour of the UAE flag, and even how to celebrate! So consider me your UAE Flag Day guide and let’s knock all your questions out of the park!
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When Is UAE Flag Day?
UAE Flag Day is celebrated every year on December 3rd, right after Union Day, which falls on December 2nd. This year, Flag Day lands on a Tuesday (and since you are all lovely people and stay tuned to Gulf Buzz on the daily), you’ll already know that both Union Day and Flag Day are public holidays in the UAE! So get ready for an epic long weekend this December!
Why Does UAE Celebrate Flag Day?
Flag Day is all about honouring the UAE flag as a symbol of the nation’s unity and paying tribute to the incredible efforts of the founding fathers – Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid, and the leaders of the other 5 emirates. And to clear up any confusion, Flag Day and Union Day are not the same. Flag Day is seen as a time to reflect on the UAE’s achievements and celebrate how far the nation has come, while Union Day marks the anniversary of the country’s founding. On this day in 1971, the seven emirates united to form what we now proudly call the United Arab Emirates!
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What Do the Colours Of The UAE Flag Mean?
The UAE flag has 4 colours, each with its own special meaning:
- Red represents the sacrifices made by the people for their nation and symbolizes energy.
- Green stands for growth and prosperity.
- Black represents dignity.
- White symbolizes peace and purity.
How to Celebrate UAE Flag Day
So now that you’re just as much of an expert as I am on all things UAE Flag Day related, it’s time to get to the good part – how to celebrate! Lucky for you UAE takes their national celebrations very seriously which means you’ll be getting more than just 1 day to celebrate. You’ll have an entire month, from now until Tuesday, December 3rd. Let’s take a sneak peek at what this months festivities look like:
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1. Spectacular Fireworks Across Dubai
Mark your calendar for December 2nd and 3rd! Spectacular fireworks displays will light up the night sky at various locations around Dubai, including:
- JBR Beach
- Al Seef
- Dubai Festival City Mall
- Global Village
If you want an extra special experience, head to Hatta for fireworks paired with traditional folk dances and live music. Plus, you can enjoy fireworks every night at Global Village throughout the month, starting at 9 pm!
2. UAE Flag Garden
For an amazing view, visit Jumeirah Beach, where a stunning array of UAE flags are planted right into the sand. But they’re not just randomly placed—viewed from above, the flags create impressive portraits. Past designs have featured portraits of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Expo 2020 Dubai logo, and even a land map of the UAE. Head over to see this year’s design!
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3. Mall Celebrations
From November 15th to December 3rd, City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates will be transformed for Union Day with exciting entertainment events and interactive workshops for everyone to enjoy.
Celebrate With Pride
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about UAE Flag Day and how to celebrate! Get out there, wave your flag, and soak up the festive vibes across the UAE. Happy Flag Day!
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