History of the UAE Flag: Abdullah Al Maeena and the 1971 Union
The United Arab Emirates flag was created specifically for the new federation in 1971 and first raised on the day the union was proclaimed.
1971: a flag for a new federation
As the emirates prepared to form a new federal state, a competition was held to select a national flag.
Who designed the UAE flag?
The winning design was created by Abdullah Al Maeena, who entered the competition organized through Al-Ittihad newspaper.
Why these four colors?
The red, green, white and black palette was inspired by a famous verse from the medieval Arab poet Safi al-Din al-Hilli and belongs to the broader Pan-Arab color tradition.
December 2, 1971: first raising
The UAE government records that the national flag was first raised on December 2, 1971, when the federation was established.
Sheikh Zayed and the first flag raising
Founding President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan raised the flag during the ceremonies marking the creation of the United Arab Emirates.
Why the red vertical band matters
The red hoist band visually unites the three horizontal colors and gives the UAE a distinctive arrangement within the wider Pan-Arab flag family.
Modern national use
The flag remains one of the federation’s principal national symbols and is prominently displayed on National Day and Flag Day.
Flag Day
The UAE observes Flag Day on November 3, when public institutions and communities raise the national flag across the country.
