UAE Flag Meaning: Red, Green, White & Black Explained
The United Arab Emirates flag uses the four Pan-Arab colors in a distinctive layout: green, white and black horizontal bands with a vertical red band at the hoist.
What does green mean?
The UAE government states that green represents hope, joy, optimism and love and can also symbolize prosperity.
What does white mean?
White represents peace and honesty and is also associated with cleanliness and purity.
What does black mean?
Black represents the defeat of enemies and strength of mind.
What does red mean?
Red represents hardiness, bravery, strength and courage.
Why is the red band vertical?
The UAE government notes that the vertical red band can be interpreted as binding the meanings of the other three colors together in unity.
Where did the four colors come from?
The flag’s red, green, white and black palette comes from the Pan-Arab color tradition and was inspired by a well-known verse by the medieval Arab poet Safi al-Din al-Hilli.
Who designed the UAE flag?
The design was created by Abdullah Al Maeena, whose proposal won a national competition in 1971.
Quick summary
| Green | Hope, joy, optimism, prosperity |
|---|---|
| White | Peace and honesty |
| Black | Defeat of enemies, strength of mind |
| Red | Hardiness, bravery, strength, courage |
