UAE celebrates Flag Day

Wam/Abu Dhabi

3 November 2015

UAE leadership lauded; tribute to heroism of martyrs.

The UAE Flag Day is a day when the national spirit is renewed and is a day to reflect on the achievements of the era of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was said by Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Executive Council Member, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Retirement Pensions and Benefits Fund for Abu Dhabi, in a speech given on the occasion of Flag Day that is celebrated today.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa said that Shaikh Khalifa, along with His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, completed the march of the union, resulting in the UAE competing with nations built centuries ago.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa said that raising the UAE flag this year will especially resonate with feelings of pride as it was used to wrap the bodies of the young martyrs who gave up their lives in order to maintain the security, stability and cohesion of countries in the region.

Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development and President of Zayed University, has said that the celebration of Flag Day shows how people are united around a symbol, under the UAE's wise philosophy and prudent leadership of Shaikh Khalifa, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

In her speech on the occasion of Flag Day, Shaikha Lubna said that this is also the day which marks Shaikh Khalifa's taking over the reins of the government.

Shaikh Lubna pointed out that the UAE, since then, has become a pivotal state, influencing various areas on the global level and supporting international stability.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, also emphasised the fact that Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid's endorsement of the UAE Flag Day has come at the right time and place.

In his statement on the occasion of Flag Day, which is today, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mubarak said: "The flag is a symbol of national identity and belonging, it means a lot to everyone and we cherish our flag as it represents our pride and dignity."

Flag a symbol of justice, peace

He said: "The UAE flag represents means of justice, peace, tolerance, power and moderation under which all Emiratis live in security and stability, as well as a decent life. This comes in continuation of the legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan."

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mubarak congratulated and commended the wise leadership of the country on the occasion.

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council, has said that the celebration of Flag Day, which coincides with the accession anniversary of Shaikh Khalifa to the presidency of the country, evokes pride in the empowerment and comprehensive development process that catapulted the country to the top global ranking in all fields.

"Flag Day this year coincides with the heroism demonstrated by our valiant armed forces in Yemen. We seize this opportunity to offer greetings to our brave soldiers and to our faithful martyrs for their sacrifices, as well as ensure cohesion between the leadership and the people."

He said that Flag Day represents an opportunity to express feelings cherished by the people of UAE for the leadership.

Dr Al Jaber said: "Raising the flag over public agencies, departments and federal ministry buildings simultaneously sends a message to the world that we in the UAE, government and people, are proud of our history, achievements and unity, and that we are moving in the footsteps of... the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had devoted his time and effort for the sake of the homeland and its citizens. – Wam