The dos and don’ts of the UAE’s flag protocol
The UAE’s flag has a prestigious and elevated position that we should respect and honour, by learning the correct ways of using it, either when we hang it during national occasions, or when we want to replace an old or torn flag, by following the directions of the UAE flag protocol, as mentioned in theUnited Arab Emirates Flag and Official Portraits Guideline.
Dos:
Always use clean and ironed flag.
Change the flag regularly to insure it is neat and clean.
Replace the flag immediately in case of being torn, damaged or a change in colour.
Check the flag each time before raising it, to insure it is not damaged, dull or torn.
Check the flag’s condition after storms or any strong climatic changes to ensure that it is in a good condition and that it is still able to flutter freely.
When lowering the flag, it should be done slowly, then it should be folded and tied without touching the ground.
Replace the damaged flag immediately no matter how small or big the damage is.
Cut the old or damaged flags into small pieces, so that they don’t look like a flag anymore.
Don'ts:
Don’t place any logos on the flag. The only exception is for the UAE President’s flag which has the UAE emblem on the white section in the middle.
Don’t decorate or add any drawings, decorations, pictures or designs to the flag, unless with an official permission from the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
Don’t use the flag for commercial purposes or as a trademark or as part of another trademark or for advertising purposes without prior permission from the relevant authorities.
Don’t use the UAE’s flag in any manner which may debase or damage it. For example, don’t use it to cover tables, chairs or boxes, or as a cover for any kind of barriers. It should not be used for the base of stages, floors or ceilings, or to cover new statues or cars, or the back of camels or other animals. It is also prohibited to decorate cakes with the flag, or to wear it as a garment or full dress, or any other use that violates the flag's original purpose.
Don’t print the flag’s shape or use it in embroidery in any way on disposable materials that will be discarded such as pillows, napkins, boxes, etc.
