UAE Flag Day on 3 November: No public holiday, schools to stay open

Parents across the UAE should not expect a day off for their children on Tuesday 3 November, when the country marks Flag Day. The annual observance, which falls this year on 3 November, is not an official public holiday, and schools will operate as usual, according to authorities.

Ceremonies at 11am

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called on citizens and residents to take part in this year’s Flag Day celebrations. In a message published on 27 October, he urged ministries, government institutions, schools, universities and families across all seven emirates to hoist the national flag. He described the occasion as a shared expression of national pride, saying it would be a moment when the country and its people stand together before a symbol of their honour and glory. He concluded his message with the words: “Long live the homeland, long live the Flag.”

The nationwide flag-raising ceremony is traditionally held at 11am, with schools, government departments and other organisations taking part. Parents are advised to check with their children’s schools for confirmation of ceremony timings and any special arrangements planned for 3 November.

History and significance

UAE Flag Day is observed annually on 3 November, marking the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming President of the UAE in 2004. The initiative was launched in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed to encourage people across the Emirates to celebrate the national flag and the values it represents. This year’s observance marks the 14th edition of Flag Day.

The UAE flag was first raised on 2 December 1971 by the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, when the federation was established.

For the country’s diverse school communities, Flag Day is also an opportunity to help children understand the history behind the national symbol and their connection to the place they call home.

School activities and flag colours

Schools across the Emirates may organise flag-raising ceremonies, assemblies and activities that introduce pupils to the significance of the national flag. The national anthem may be played or sung during gatherings, while classroom sessions can explore the meaning of the flag’s red, green, white and black colours, the country’s history and the values associated with its national identity. Some schools may also organise art projects and other flag-themed activities.

Celebrations will vary between institutions, making school announcements the best source of information for parents about what their children will be participating in. For younger pupils, these activities can turn concepts such as unity, respect and belonging into something they can see and experience. In a country where families come from different parts of the world, the occasion also offers an opportunity to learn about the UAE’s history and appreciate the shared community they are part of.

The day is not only about displaying the flag but also about understanding why it matters. School celebrations can help children connect the national symbol with the people, history and values that have shaped the country in which they are growing up.

According to an official guide, the four flag colours carry distinct meanings: red honours the sacrifices of earlier generations who helped lay the foundations of the Union; green represents growth, prosperity and cultural revival; white reflects the UAE’s humanitarian contributions and commitment to promoting security and peace worldwide; black symbolises the strength of Emiratis and the nation’s rejection of injustice and extremism.

Flag etiquette and disposal

Flag Day also offers an opportunity for families and schools to familiarise children with the proper handling and care of the national flag. Under UAE guidelines, flags should be kept clean and in good condition, with damaged, faded or discoloured flags replaced. They should also be checked following adverse weather and folded neatly and stored when not on display. Flags that are no longer suitable for use should be disposed of in a manner that prevents them from continuing to appear as national flags; burning them is not permitted under the cited guidelines.

As 3 November approaches, parents can check whether their children’s schools are planning a ceremony or classroom activity and use the occasion to talk about the UAE’s history and national symbols.