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Emirati traditions

Flag Day

Flag Day is celebrated every year on 3 November. Emiratis and residents raise the UAE flag on government and private buildings. It was declared on 11 December 2012 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Updated October 2026 · Facts checked 22 October 2026

Year declared
20121
Year declared

Flag Day

At a glance

At a glance
Item Detail
Date 3 November every year
Declared 11 December 2012, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Public holiday No; it is a working day

Source: Ministry of Health and Prevention: Flag Day1

What happens

Government bodies, schools and companies hold flag-raising ceremonies to reaffirm loyalty to the nation and its leadership. In 2025 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the flag at its Abu Dhabi headquarters at 11:00.1,3,2

Flag Day is not on the list of public holidays, so offices stay open.4

Sources

  1. Ministry of Health and Prevention: Flag Day
  2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: MoFA marks UAE Flag Day (3 November 2025)
  3. Ministry of Education: UAE Flag Day
  4. UAE Government Portal: Public holidays

Facts checked 22 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information.

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