As the Emirates continues to grow and prosper, as does its holidays. Here’s a look at 2019’s UAE Flag Day.
On November 3 2019, and every year before it since 2013, UAE Flag Day has celebrated the anniversary of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Nahyan taking office in the UAE. This year’s celebrations were especially impressive, including a massive 4,500 flag portrait of the royal family members.
The ‘Flag Garden’ at Kite Beach in Jumeirah this year features almost 5,000 UAE flags in such a way to create realistic side-by-side portraits of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Kite Beach has long since been a canvas for UAE Flag Day, this year was its sixth run but it has in the past also realised a portrait of President Sheikh Khalifa in flag-form. WAM explained the ‘Flag Garden’ will open again to the public this year on December 10.
Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, led the celebrations along with employees of GDMO, Brand Dubai and Dubai Press Club.
Speaking on the occasion, Al Marri said, “This year’s edition of Flag Garden aims to honour our nation’s leaders and acknowledge their role in guiding the UAE’s development into a nation that is shaping the future of the world. This initiative is in line with our objective of communicating Dubai’s unique identity and aspirations through innovative initiatives. Through this year’s Flag Garden, we aim to create an iconic visual image that conveys the role of leadership in nation building.”
This was far from the only celebration. Sheikh Mohammed himself also headed down to the Burj Khalifa area in Downtown Dubai to witness and take part in the national celebrations. His Highness hoisted a UAE flag with the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall as backdrop.
As Sheikh Mohammed made his way to the stage to hoist the flag, he was greeted by countless residents and school children, all waving the UAE flag towards Sheikh Mohammed. His Highness shook the hand of every child he went by.
WAM stated: His Highness said: “The UAE flag is a symbol of unity and a source of pride. The people of the country raise it high with their achievements and successes. We have seen our flag fluttering in many parts of the world, carrying with it the promise of goodness and the hope of a better tomorrow and we now take it to outer space to achieve Zayed’s vision.”
