Tuesday, Nov 27, 2012
Dubai As the 41st National Day approaches, houses and buildings are being adorned with the colours of the union’s flag, spreading the spirit of patriotism and national pride.
Houses can be mistaked for government departments with their flags flying high.
The UAE’s flag was first hoisted by Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, former UAE president,on the occasion of declaring the United Arab Emirates a federation on December 2, 1971.
The flag was designed by a man called Abdullah Muhammad AL Ma’eenah. The flag was picked through a competition where 1030 flag designs were submitted for a cash prize worth Dh4000 Al Man’eenah had later worked in various positions at the Ministry of Foreign affairs.
The Emirati flag has four colours, red, green, black and white. The colors of the flag reflect traditional Arabic values. The values are highlighted by a line of poetry, which the designer was inspired by. The line of poetry was by Safiyiddin Al Hiliyy, an Abassid poet and it read, “Ask the highly praised spears about our noble manners, and seek the testimony of the swords whether we have become hopeless, Our deeds are white and our battles are black (for our enemies), Our land is green but our swords are red (with the blood of our enemies).” The colours also represent Arab unity s it has the Pan-Arab colours.
The Emirati flag is symbol of peace, security, happiness and joy and is shown in all national, religious, official and public events whether in the UAE or abroad.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has recently announced November 3, as Flag Day and that it will be celebrated annually in the UAE. The day also coincides with the accession of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The launch of Flag Day initiative reflects the culture of respecting the flag that serves a revered symbol of the UAE’s sovereignty and unity, and a symbol of loyalty and dedication to the nation.
Ahmad bin Al Shaikh, Emirati national said that he will decorate his house with the flags and he feels very positive and proud with all the decorations and festivities.
By Noorhan Barakat Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
