The United Arab Emirates Flag: What the Colors Mean

Every flag has a story. And the United Arab Emirates flag is no different. The design and colors you see today have their roots in another flag that represented different sheikdoms under a different name.

How did the flag start? What do the colors signify? What are  the proper uses of the UAE’s flag?

The UAE Flag: A Brief Background

The old Emirates flag was a red and white triband with a seven-pointed star in the middle. The seven points represented the seven sheikdoms that signed protective treaties with the British government, from 1800 through 1892. The seven sheikdoms were collectively called The Trucial States of the Coast of Oman, which were a British-designated tribal group of confederacies in Arabia.

In 1971, the truce was abandoned allowing Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman to form what is today the UAE. What about Ras Al Khaimah? The emirate eventually joined in 1972. 

Naturally, a new union needs a new flag to represent and introduce it to the world. To find the right one, a competition was held two months before the UAE’s declaration of formation. 

About 1,030 designs were submitted, from which six were shortlisted. The winning design came from Abdulla Mohammed Al Ma’enah, who was inspired by a Safi-u-ddin Al Hali poem. The poem described acts as white, plains as green, battles as dark, and swords as red. 

On December 2, 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan hoisted the flag of the United Arab Emirates for the first time. Being a relatively new country is one of the more interesting facts about the UAE.

The Four Colors

The UAE’s flag is divided into four segments. The first is vertical, occupying a quarter of the flag’s width. The three other segments are horizontal and parallel to one another, equaling in height and width. 

Each color represents something good, reminding Emiratis about what the UAE stands for: strength, peace, happiness, achievements, and a forward-thinking mindset.

Red

Red represents the past, the sacrifices of the previous generations to protect the values and accomplishments of the motherland.

Green

Green symbolizes growth, prosperity, and a flourishing vibrancy.

White

White is all about generosity. It signifies good deeds and bountifulness that set Emiratis apart.

Black

Black represents courage, strength, and resilience.

You might recall seeing another design of the UAE flag, one with an emblem of a falcon, The federal emblem is placed in the center of the white segment. Dubbed the Head of State flag, it’s reserved solely for the President of the UAE, and no federal authority is permitted to use or display it — whether within the country or abroad — under any circumstances.

Using the United Arab Emirates Flag

Because a national flag holds such an important place in a country’s history, certain standards must be followed when using it.

How do you raise it on a building? Can you wear a shirt that looks like the flag of the UAE? Is it OK to design images or pin anything on the flag?

Find out what standards you need to follow when using the country’s flag.

Dos

• When hoisting the flag on a lamppost at events, raise it vertically with the red segment pointing upward.
• When hanging the flag on a building, pin it on an incline from a window or a balcony, or vertically with the red segment pointing upward.
• Always use a clean and properly ironed flag.
• Check the flag for damage or degradation before using it.
• Flags that are torn, discolored, or worn out must be replaced.
• When replacing the flag, lower it slowly from the lamppost, fold it accordingly, and store it in a flag case.
• Recycle the flag by disintegrating the parts so that it no longer resembles the original shape.
• Always use the specified colors of the United Arab Emirates flag.
• The flag should always be made with durable, high-quality materials that are resistant to extreme weather conditions. Government entities use polyester or 100% nylon.

Don’ts

• Never use the UAE flag as a costume or wear it as a T-shirt, or use it for decoration.
• Never use the flag for commercial purposes, for publicity, or as a trademark or part of a trademark.
• The flag must never be wrapped around any item or shaped into any other form.
• Do not use the flag to cover any item, like furniture or vehicles.
• Do not decorate the flag with any other symbols, images, or elements, or attach any pins to it.
• Never burn the flag.
• Do not use silk as material for the flag.
• Do not drop, destroy, or insult the flag in any way. According to article (3) of the Federal Law No. (2) of 1971.  tearing it apart, lowering it from the raised position or committing any act that expresses contempt, hatred, or disrespect toward the flag is punishable by law.

Whether you’re visiting or want to express your love for the country, remember these standards for using the flag of the United Arab Emirates.