Two months prior to the announcement of the Federation, the Emiri Diwan in Abu Dhabi published a competition in Al Ittihad newspaper to design the flag of the newly-established country, to be revealed during the announcement of the Federation on the 2nd of December 1971. Around 1030 designs were submitted, six of which were submitted by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maeena whose design was selected for the UAE flag. Since then, the flag is raised with pride by the UAE’s people, in the UAE and during all local, regional and international events.

The colours of the flag represent the UAE’s principles, and the ambition of its rulers to establish a country that has the power, the strength and the dignity. It also represents their ambitions to spread peace, goodness, development and prosperity to every citizen and resident. The colours also reflect the sacrifices of the UAE’s old generation who established the country, and the sacrifices that the following generations will make to protect their country’s gains and achievements.