The United Arab Emirates flag has long been a source of pride for Emiratis. But what exactly does it depict, and how did it come about? Read on to learn more about the UAE flag.
UAE national flag history
The Trucial States, also known as the true states of the Coast of Oman, were a set of tribal confederacies named by the British administration in southern Arabia.
From the early 1800s to 1892, the phrase meant regions whose sheikhs had signed protection treaties with the British government. The alliance’s flag ultimately came out to be a red and white tri-band with a seven-pointed star representing the seven sheikdoms. This was the previous UAE flag.
The ceasefire was broken in 1971, when six sheikhdoms — Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman — merged to form the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah became a member of the Federation in 1972.
The final flag was created in the Pan-Arab colours of red, green, white, and black. Three horizontal stripes and a vertical red strip on the right make up the four-color a pattern.
Who designed the UAE flag?
Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was 19 years old at the time, created the UAE flag. His design was one of many that vied to be the official symbol of the country’s unity. He understood the importance of the UAE flag and worked hard to win the tournament.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s founding father, hoisted the national flag for the first time on December 2, 1971. The Pan-Arab colours, which represent integration, are a common sight at all national, religious, social, sporting, and other events held in the United Arab Emirates. The flag is used as well in the national anthem of the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates Emblem
One of the unique UAE flag facts is that only the monarch of the UAE has the right to raise the UAE flag with the falcon emblem. This pattern is recognised to be the presidential flag of the UAE.
Originally, the UAE’s symbol was a golden hawk. It included a circular red flag with seven stars and a white Arab boat in front. This was the country’s official emblem until 2008, when the shield’s design was changed to the national flag.
Meaning of the colours
The flag represents the people of the UAE and the attributes that make the country great, like achievement, dignity, pride, safety, peace, and happiness.
When flying the flag, the red stripe should be closest to the pole and the green must be on top. Here’s a quick rundown of the UAE flag colour meaning:
Red
The flag’s vertical red stripe reflects “together in unity,” with red denoting power, hardiness, and bravery. It represents the sacrifices made by earlier generations who established the foundations for the Union.
Green
The green bar on the UAE flag symbolises the country’s natural riches and agricultural past. It indicates the country’s prosperity.
White
The hue white in the UAE flag indicates peace and the country’s charitable gestures.
Black
The black stripe signifies bravery and power. It represents Emirati people strength as well as their rejection of extremism and injustice.
The flag’s length is double its width.
