UAE Flag Day: Dubai Has a Month of National Celebrations Planned Until December 2

The UAE marked Flag Day 2026 on November 3, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan raising the national flag at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Senior UAE leaders also marked the occasion across the country. Meanwhile, Brand Dubai launched National Month celebrations featuring community events, Flag Garden, the UAE Parade and other activities until December 2.

• Location: Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, with celebrations across the UAE
• Organisation: UAE Government and Brand Dubai
• Date: November 3, 2026
• Who is involved: UAE leadership, government employees, residents and community members
• National significance: Celebrating unity, national identity and the UAE’s 55-year journey
• What’s next: Dubai National Month celebrations continue until December 2, 2026

UAE Flag Day 2026 was marked on November 3, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan leading the main flag-raising ceremony at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. The President was joined by 55 accomplished individuals from different sectors, representing the 55 years since the establishment of the UAE.

Senior leaders also marked the occasion through ceremonies and messages celebrating the country’s achievements and unity. In Dubai, the celebrations extended beyond Flag Day, with Brand Dubai launching a month-long programme of activities from November 3 to December 2, ahead of the UAE’s 55th Eid Al Etihad.

Sheikh Mohamed Leads Flag Day Ceremony at Qasr Al Hosn

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan raised the UAE national flag at Qasr Al Hosn on Tuesday, November 3. The ceremony included the national anthem and brought together 55 accomplished individuals representing different sectors of the country.

According to the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, their participation reflected the 55 years since the establishment of the Union.

The President highlighted the contributions of the UAE’s people to the country’s development and future ambitions. He also paid tribute to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Rulers who helped establish the Union.

Sheikh Mohamed described the country’s people as its most valuable asset, recognising their ambition and determination as important drivers of the UAE’s continued progress.

The participants also joined the President for commemorative photographs following the ceremony.

UAE Leaders Mark the Occasion Across the Country

Flag Day celebrations also took place at government locations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with senior leaders highlighting the importance of national unity and shared responsibility.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, raised the UAE flag at the Presidential Court in Abu Dhabi.

He described the national flag as a symbol of sovereignty, dignity and the country’s achievements. He also highlighted the importance of preserving the values of the Union for future generations.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, raised the national flag outside Zayed National Museum. Members of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and government employees attended the ceremony.

In Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shared a message celebrating the country’s achievements and reaffirming its ambitions for the future.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also highlighted the importance of unity and national responsibility. He paid tribute to the UAE Armed Forces for their role in protecting the country’s security and sovereignty.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, highlighted the Founding Fathers’ legacy and the responsibility of younger generations to contribute to the UAE’s development.

Dubai Launches National Month Celebrations Until December 2

While Flag Day is celebrated on November 3, Dubai’s national celebrations will continue throughout November and into the beginning of December.

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, is organising National Month 2026 in collaboration with government, semi-government and private sector entities.

The programme runs from November 3 to December 2 and was launched by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

According to WAM, the programme includes several activities for residents and visitors, such as:

• UAE Flag Day celebrations: Activities marking the national occasion and encouraging pride in the UAE flag.
• Eid Al Etihad festivities: Celebrations leading up to the UAE’s 55th National Day.
• Flag Garden: A public display of UAE flags as part of the national celebrations.
• UAE Parade: A community-focused celebration of national identity and unity.
• Stories of Our Determination: A short film competition inviting creative talent to share stories of unity and determination.

The short film competition is being organised by the Dubai Films and Games Commission, an entity under the Dubai Media Council.

Brand Dubai Director Shaima Al Suwaidi said the programme aims to bring together different organisations and provide opportunities for people to express their pride in the country’s journey.

Further details about individual activities and their schedules are expected to be shared through the organisers.

Why UAE Flag Day Holds National Significance?

UAE Flag Day is more than an annual flag-raising occasion. It recognises the country’s national identity and the unity of its seven emirates.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid introduced the occasion in 2012, with the first nationwide Flag Day campaign taking place in November 2013. November 3 was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming President of the UAE in 2004.

The UAE flag itself carries four colours, each with national symbolism. Red represents sacrifices, green symbolises growth, white represents benevolence and black reflects strength and resilience.

The 2026 celebrations also carry added significance as the country prepares to mark its 55th Eid Al Etihad on December 2.

Flag Day brings together Emiratis and residents to recognise the country’s history, achievements and shared national identity. It also provides an opportunity for schools, workplaces, government entities and community organisations to take part in national celebrations.

For Dubai residents, the National Month programme offers more opportunities to participate in public events and community activities throughout November.

Businesses and private organisations are also part of the celebrations through Brand Dubai’s coordinated programme.

With activities continuing until December 2, residents can expect further announcements about events marking the UAE’s 55th Eid Al Etihad.

FAQs About UAE Flag Day 2026

1. When was UAE Flag Day 2026 celebrated?

UAE Flag Day 2026 was celebrated on Tuesday, November 3, with flag-raising ceremonies and activities across the country.

2. Where did Sheikh Mohamed raise the UAE flag?

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan raised the national flag at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, alongside 55 accomplished individuals from different sectors.

3. Why does the UAE celebrate Flag Day on November 3?

November 3 marks the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming President of the UAE in 2004. The occasion was introduced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in 2012.

4. How long will Dubai’s National Month celebrations continue?

Dubai’s National Month celebrations run from November 3 to December 2, 2026.

5. What activities are included in Dubai National Month 2026?

The programme includes Flag Garden, UAE Parade, Eid Al Etihad festivities and the Stories of Our Determination short film competition.

UAE Flag Day 2026 brought together the country’s leadership and community members to celebrate national unity and the UAE’s journey. With Dubai’s National Month programme now underway, residents and visitors have more opportunities to take part in celebrations leading up to the 55th Eid Al Etihad on December 2.

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