‘Raise it up high … keep it high’. And high is where the UAE flag remains in the hearts of thousands of its residents. As the nation gets decked up in the four-coloured symbol of loyalty, pride and belonging, its people will rally behind it today and reflect on the strong foundations on which this country was built.
A country’s flag is an enduring symbol of its ideals. And the UAE flag is a symbol of unity for the over 200 nationalities that make up this country. It is a symbol of the nation’s prosperity, and also of the dreams of those who come here and call it home.
As the nation celebrates its fifth Flag Day, residents view it as an occasion to underscore their loyalty and reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice. Days such as these are important to emphasise the significance of staying together in peace and unity and also to remember what the leaders have done for our progress.
To say that the UAE is a melting pot of cultures may sound clichéd, but it is that spirit which will be on display as its residents take heed of the call of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to come together at noon to hoist the flag. “The flag demonstrates our unity behind our leader, our love for him, and the pledge of the people to be loyal to him as a president and leader of the UAE,” said Shaikh Mohammed who launched Flag Day in 2013 as a national campaign for unity to commemorate the accession of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the nation. And this year the day is being observed today, a working day, instead of on November 3, so that residents can come together at schools, universities and work places to honour the flag.
As this symbol of belonging flutters proudly atop numerous buildings dotting the country’s skyline, let us remember our visionary leaders and pledge to give back to the country all we can.
The flag represents unity, greatness and the aspirations of its people for a better future. While the colour red stands for courage, hardiness, bravery and strength, green represents optimism, hope, joy, love and prosperity. White, the purest among colours, represents peace and honesty and the humanitarian works carried out in the UAE, while black stands for the strength of mind. While hoisting the flag, it is imperative that we follow a set of standards which include specific grades in the four colours, the measurements and the fabric used in making it. And most importantly, we need to hoist it as solemnly as possible.
It will be heartening to watch people come together regardless of their nationalities and cultures. More than anything, this moment will represent an act of giving back to a country which has helped them realise their dreams. And its highest point will be when they raise the UAE flag with the same measure of fervour, patriotism and respect they attribute to their respective national colours back home.
