UAE’s ‘Raise it high...Raise it proud’ campaign

Almost every government institution will have a flag raised on November 6 in support of a national solidarity campaign to unify in a single act support to the President, Sheikh Khalifa

Children raise their flags to join celebrations of the 41st UAE National Day during the Union Car Parade on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova / The National

“Raise it high ... Raise it proud”.

That is the message sent out to every resident – both local and expatriate – by the campaign launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Almost every government institution will have a flag raised today in support of a national solidarity campaign to unify in a single act support to the President, Sheikh Khalifa. Sheikh Nahyan, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, said that the UAE flag is a symbol of union and was first raised high by the country's founding President, Sheikh Zayed, in 1971.

"Since then the flag has become the title of a great country and exemplary record of a founding father and a faithful nation that do its utmost to support its national identity and people," Sheikh Nahyan said.

Maj Gen Rashid Al Matroushi, director of Dubai Civil Defence, said all civil defence centres will have their flags raised in a show of solidarity and allegiance to the President and in support of Sheikh Mohammed’s initiative.

Dr Aysha Al Busmait, director of the Roads and Transport Authority’s marketing and corporate communication, said the authority will also be raising the flag on all its centres and branches.

“In coordination with the Watini programme, the authority will distribute 42 flags for each year of the union,” she said.

Secretary general of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, Ibrahim Abdulmalik Mohammed, said this was a popular national day that brings together the various segments of society to express love for the homeland, gratitude to the country’s founders, solidarity with one another and loyalty to the country and to the wise leadership.

Dubai Customs also raised the national flag on their premises and organised a series of events to mark the occasion.

“Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s initiative reflects the degree of unison between the people and the Government, as everyone got involved in this campaign since it was declared,” said Youssef Al Sahlawi, senior executive director for institutional affairs at Dubai Customs.

“The aim of the campaign is really to instil national identity in the people of this nation,” he said.