United Arab Emirates Flag: Meaning, Colors, History & Facts
The UAE flag has green, white and black horizontal bands with a vertical red band at the hoist. The design was created for the new federation in 1971.
What does the UAE flag look like?
The flag has three equal horizontal bands—green, white and black—with a wider vertical red band running down the hoist side.
What do the colors mean?
The UAE government gives explicit meanings to all four colors. Green is linked with hope and prosperity, white with peace and honesty, black with strength, and red with bravery and courage.
Explore the official color meanings →
Why is the red band vertical?
The government notes that the red band can be interpreted as binding the meanings of the other three colors together in unity.
Who designed the flag?
The flag was designed by Abdullah Al Maeena, whose proposal won a national competition held in 1971.
When was it first raised?
The flag was first raised on December 2, 1971, the day the United Arab Emirates was established.
Where do the colors come from?
Red, green, white and black belong to the Pan-Arab color tradition and were inspired by a famous verse from the poet Safi al-Din al-Hilli.
UAE flag facts
| Colors | Red, green, white, black |
|---|---|
| Designer | Abdullah Al Maeena |
| First raised | December 2, 1971 |
| Color family | Pan-Arab |
How can you identify the UAE flag?
Look for green, white and black horizontal stripes crossed at the hoist by a full-height red vertical band. The red band is the simplest way to distinguish the UAE from several other Arab flags using the same four colors.
Why are the colors called Pan-Arab?
Red, green, white and black became widely used by Arab nationalist movements and modern Arab states. The UAE adopted that shared color vocabulary but arranged it in a uniquely federal national design.
When is the UAE flag especially displayed?
The flag is prominent during National Day celebrations on December 2 and on UAE Flag Day, observed annually on November 3.
UAE flag FAQ
Who designed the flag?
Abdullah Al Maeena.
When was it first raised?
December 2, 1971.
What does the red band represent?
Bravery, strength and courage; it can also be interpreted as binding the other colors together.
