A day for red, green, white and black

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has called on all residents to raise flags at noon, to mark the day that Sheikh Khalifa was sworn in as President after the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed.

ABU DHABI // Residents will on Tuesday reaffirm their allegiance to the UAE by covering it in red, white, green and black in celebration of Flag Day.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has called on all residents to raise flags at noon, to mark the day that Sheikh Khalifa was sworn in as President after the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed.

This year, Flag Day has taken on an added meaning with the country’s leaders calling on the public to also commemorate the sacrifices of fallen servicemen.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, said the bravery of the Emirati heroes should be acknowledged on Tuesday.

“Flag Day this year coincides with the heroism demonstrated by our valiant Armed Forces in Yemen,” Dr Al Jaber said.

“Raising the flag over public agencies, departments and federal ministry buildings simultaneously sends a message to the world that we in the UAE, Government and people, are proud of our history, achievements and unity.”

It also shows “that we are moving in the footsteps of the founding fathers, notably the late father of the nation, Sheikh Zayed, who had devoted his time and effort for the sake of the homeland and its citizens”.

On Monday it was announced that a second batch of Emirati soldiers was preparing to go to Yemen to relieve the first contingent of fighters, who have completed their tour of duty.

The General Command of the Armed Forces says the first troops will return to the UAE after their successful campaigns against the Houthi rebels, in support of the internationally recognised Yemeni government.

They achieved victories including the liberation of Aden, Marib and Marib Dam, which was built by Sheikh Zayed, the Founding President.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, said Flag Day marked the unity of the people in recognising the nation’s leaders.

Government organisations, schools, companies and cultural centres from across the country have planned events in honour of the day.

Dubai’s Rashid Centre for the Disabled will host celebrations, and the Roads and Transport Authority will unveil a flag of the UAE made of 146,000 pieces of Lego at Union Metro Station in Dubai.

The RTA has covered three buses, an abra, a water taxi, a Dubai ferry and 45 taxis in the colours of the UAE.

Universities, including Khalifa University in the capital and the American University of Sharjah, also have plans to mark the day.

“The UAE flag represents all means of justice, peace, tolerance, power and moderation under which all Emiratis live in security and stability, as well as a decent life,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

“On this occasion, we recall the efforts exerted by the founding fathers who had worked to hoist the flag high and promote the country’s stature.’’