The flag of a nation captures its identity, integrity, sovereignty, for the sake of which were made considerable sacrifices. Countries, all over the world, relate morally to their individual flags. The United Arab Emirates in no exception to that rule. Its flag represents for its citizens their raison d’être, or the relationship to their national homeland and their righteous leadership. Holding their flag, the Emiratis voice their
loyalty, sense of belonging and identity.
Flag Day, or Yawm Alalam, is when citizens of the seven Emirates celebrate their unity. Across the country, people, joined by the love of the motherland, festoon their houses with flags of the UAE in a nation-wide scene of festivity.
Flag Day is held on November 3 of each year, the date on which His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as President of the United Arab Emirates. Celebrating the national flag is not exclusive to this particular date, however. Residents and visitors can notice flags displayed not only on government buildings, but also on houses all over the year, as a sign of allegiance and affiliation to the nation.
Every Emirati citizen has a unique bond with the four-colored flag, ever since His Highness late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan raised it on December 2, 1971, or the Union Day. Today, as the 45th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates is near, the flag celebration falls on a new era in which the country has adopted a world-renowned, continuous development model.
The Flag day for us, Emiratis, is fatherland’s day. It presents a valuable opportunity to express the deep attachment to our land and our leadership.
The response of the people to this joyful occasion captures the meaning of the phrase Albayt Mitwahid, or ‘Our Home is United’, an expression by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme commander of the armed forces, as well as a vision for the relation between all the constituents of this one state.
The way the people of the Emirates are connected to their country is exceptional. The uniqueness of UAE lies in that it not only provides citizens with all the requirements of a decent living, but also looks for means to promote their happiness. Even expatriates, who contribute to the flourishing of the country, enjoy decent and satisfactory living.
Many houses decorated with waving flags reflect warm sensations experienced by the citizens of a united nation—these are symbols of a deeper emotional feeling when watching one’s flag waving. Behind the sight of the national ensign, there lies a country with a people proud of their identity.
Flag Day is a day for all of us. The love of this nation runs in the veins of its population. We are the people of the Emirates, the sons of Zayed Al Khair Wal Ata, “the good caring Zayed”, and the people of a country/model of development, reconstruction, tolerance and openness. Today is your day, my country.
