Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has urged citizens and residents to raise the national flag on November 3 in celebration of UAE Flag Day 2026.
In a message shared on X, Sheikh Mohammed described the annual occasion as an opportunity to express love for the country, reinforce national unity and honour the values represented by the UAE flag.
He encouraged government entities, ministries, schools, universities, businesses and households throughout the seven emirates to take part in the observance.
“Next week, on November 3, we will celebrate an important national moment that embodies our love, pride, and loyalty to our homeland,” he said.
He also called on people and institutions across the country to raise the flag high as a symbol of national identity and shared belonging.
UAE Flag Day 2026 Falls on November 3
UAE Flag Day is observed annually on November 3. In 2026, the occasion falls on a Tuesday, with public and private sector organisations, educational institutions and residents encouraged to participate.
The observance commemorates the accession of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the UAE in 2004. Sheikh Mohammed launched the Flag Day initiative in 2013 to encourage people across the country to celebrate the national flag and the values it represents.
Although Flag Day and UAE National Day both celebrate national identity, they mark different occasions. Flag Day takes place on November 3, while UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2.
Sheikh Mohammed Highlights the Flag’s National Significance
In his message, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the flag’s role as a symbol of the UAE’s honour, achievements and collective identity.
Describing the occasion as a moment when the nation and its people stand together before the national symbol, he concluded his message with the words: “Long live the homeland.. long live the Flag.”
The annual observance brings together communities across the Emirates through flag-raising activities and displays at homes, schools, government offices and other institutions.
Nationwide Participation Expected
Flag Day provides an opportunity for people across the UAE to demonstrate their connection to the country and recognise the national symbols that represent its identity.
Sheikh Mohammed’s appeal encourages broad participation across communities, with the national flag serving as the central symbol of the November 3 observance.
As Flag Day 2026 approaches, residents and organisations are being encouraged to join the nationwide celebration by raising the UAE flag and taking part in activities marking the occasion.
Editorial note: Confirm the exact wording of Sheikh Mohammed’s original X post and the official 2026 Flag Day guidance before publication. The article is based on the supplied source material.
