ABU DHABI // This year’s Flag Day campaign will honour the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces.
The campaign, which runs from November 3 to 7, aimed to include all parts of society, said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
November 3 marks the day Sheikh Khalifa became President.
“This year’s celebration of the UAE flag has great meaning – we have raised it high and proud with our development, distinctiveness and pure sacrifices,” said Sheikh Nahyan.
“We all unite. We are all soldiers of the UAE, each in his field. We are proud of our flag and our wise leadership.”
The sacrifices made by the country’s servicemen and women reflected the unity of the people and the wise leadership of the UAE, he said.
Sheikh Nahyan said the red of the UAE flag was “watered” by the blood of the martyrs who gave their lives for justice, truth and peace in the region.
Green was representative of the nation’s wise leadership and of citizens building a renaissance.
White represented the purity of the UAE and its citizens, and black is the fertility of the land, he said.
News of the flag campaign was welcomed by expatriates.
“The UAE has given many people from all around the world a place where they can build a better future for themselves,” said Mohammed Iqbal, 35, from Pakistan.
“It’s still a young country so it’s important these kinds of events are held because it helps to build the nation.”
The shop supervisor from Dubai said he would be among the many non-Emiratis who will show their support for the country they call home.
“I’ve been here 14 years and it is a safe and stable place to be in,” he said. “We put up the flag every National Day and will do so for Flag Day.”
For Brenda Joseph, 29, from the Irish Republic, it was vital now more than ever that the country stood united.
“With all that is going on in the region, these kinds of campaigns help those of us living here understand what this country is about,” said the mother of two who lives in Dubai.
“It’s too easy for expatriates to think themselves as separate from the UAE, but that’s not the way to be.
“We all live here at the end of the day so we should all have some responsibility in making sure that it continues to such an amazing place.”
The flag campaign will be marked at the ministry’s cultural centres, major malls, along with the participation of Emiratis, expatriates, school and university students as well as writers, creators and artists.
Among the highlights for this year will be a “flag city” featuring activities as well as children’s painting areas in malls.
Flag exhibitions will be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, showcasing the work of some of the UAE’s finest artists.
And a “flag field” will be created to include more than 20 activities and events including wall paintings, photography exhibitions, displays of documentary movies, as well as designing a 200 metre-long flag where all guests sign their names in all languages of the world.
The ministry will also use social media and radio stations to raise awareness of the history of the UAE flag, the country and its Rulers.
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