Abu Dhabi
The largest emirate and home of the federal capital, stretching from the coast to the oases of Al Ain and the Empty Quarter.
The flag used before the Union
3 November 2026
UAE Flag Day 2026
One flag unites us… a history we are proud of
On the third of November we do not simply raise a flag — we raise the story of a nation that chose unity, turned ambition into a future, union into strength, and its flag into a symbol of pride and belonging.
From the dream of the Founding Fathers to the achievements of today, the UAE flag stands witness to an exceptional nation.
Chapter One
Before one flag united us… the story was seven emirates
Long before the emirates united beneath a single flag, this land was home to proud Arab communities, bound together by shared history, neighbourliness, language, customs and traditions.
Along the coast and across the oases, deserts and mountains, the people of the emirates lived from maritime trade, pearl diving, fishing, farming and herding — and from a deep sense of mutual support.
Historically, the emirates were known as the Trucial States, during the era of treaties and relations that linked the rulers of the coast with Britain.
Although their economic and administrative circumstances differed, the social and historical ties between the people of the region never faded.
Then came the great transformation of the twentieth century, as the dream of union took shape and became a political project to build a strong, independent state.
Dubai
A city of the creek and of maritime trade since ancient times, and one of the region's great ports.
The flag used before the Union
Sharjah
An emirate of culture, education and science, facing both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The flag used before the Union
Ajman
The smallest emirate, known for its seafaring history and boat building.
The flag used before the Union
Umm Al Quwain
A tranquil coastal emirate known for its creek, islands and natural environment.
The flag used before the Union
Ras Al Khaimah
A land of mountains and deep history, home of historic Julfar; it joined the Union on 10 February 1972.
The flag used before the Union
Fujairah
The only emirate whose entire coastline faces the Gulf of Oman, framed by the Hajar mountains.
The flag used before the UnionChapter Two
From a historic meeting… the dream of a nation was born
The United Arab Emirates was not born of a passing moment. It was the fruit of a far-sighted vision and a deep belief that the unity of land and people is the foundation of strength and stability.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — may he rest in peace — carried a national vision built on cooperation, integration and a better future for the people of the region. The late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum — may he rest in peace — shared his conviction that union was the path to a stronger future.
On 18 February 1968, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid met at Al Samha and agreed to form a union between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, inviting the other emirates to join the project of unity.
That step opened a historic period of consultation, negotiation and shared work. The road was not easy, but sincere resolve, political wisdom and faith in a common destiny laid the foundation on which the state was built.
Chapter Three
2 December 1971… the day the dream became a nation
On 18 July 1971, the rulers of six emirates took the historic decision to form the United Arab Emirates.
On 2 December of the same year, the United Arab Emirates was officially proclaimed an independent, sovereign federal state. The founding emirates at the proclamation were Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was chosen as the first President of the state, opening a new era of building, work and achievement.
On 10 February 1972, Ras Al Khaimah joined the Union, completing the seven emirates. And so the vision of the Founding Fathers became a nation that unites its people under one constitution, federal institutions and one flag.
Seven emirates… one nation… one shared destiny.
- 1968The union project begins between Abu Dhabi and Dubai (18 February).
- 18 July 1971Six emirates decide to form the Union.
- 2 December 1971The United Arab Emirates is officially proclaimed.
- 10 February 1972Ras Al Khaimah joins and the Union is complete.
Chapter Four
The men who built the Union… and left the nation an everlasting legacy
When we tell the story of the UAE, we remember with pride and gratitude the Founding Fathers who carried the responsibility of building the state and placed the nation and its people above all else. With wisdom, cooperation and resolve, they founded a country that became a model of unity, stability and ambition.
Abu Dhabi
The late
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Founder and first President of the UAE
Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004 and President of the UAE from its founding in 1971 until 2004.
May he rest in peace
Dubai
The late
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Ruler of Dubai and first Vice President of the UAE
Ruler of Dubai from 1958 to 1990, Vice President from 1971 and Prime Minister from 1979.
May he rest in peace
Sharjah
The late
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
Ruler of Sharjah at the founding of the Union
Ruler of Sharjah from 1965 to 1972, one of the rulers who signed the founding of the state in 1971.
May he rest in peace
Ajman
The late
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi
Ruler of Ajman at the founding of the Union
Ruler of Ajman from 1928 to 1981 and one of the founding rulers of the state in 1971.
May he rest in peace
Umm Al Quwain
The late
Sheikh Ahmad bin Rashid Al Mualla
Ruler of Umm Al Quwain at the founding of the Union
Ruler of Umm Al Quwain from 1929 to 1981 and one of the founding rulers of the state in 1971.
May he rest in peace
Ras Al Khaimah · joined 1972
The late
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah from 1948 to 2010; his emirate joined the Union on 10 February 1972.
May he rest in peace
Fujairah
The late
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi
Ruler of Fujairah at the founding of the Union
Ruler of Fujairah from 1952 to 1974 and one of the founding rulers of the state in 1971.
May he rest in peace
The rulers of six emirates proclaimed the state on 2 December 1971; Ras Al Khaimah joined the Union on 10 February 1972.
Chapter Five
From the legacy of the fathers… to the vision of today
The journey of the Union did not stop at its founding. The generations that followed took on the responsibility of safeguarding the nation's achievements, continuing to build, developing the state's institutions and investing in people, education, the economy, science and knowledge. From the vision of the Founding Fathers to the leadership of today, the UAE continues towards the future, true to the values of its Union. The story of the Emirates is not only a story of the past — it is the story of a nation that builds its future every day.
The late
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Abu Dhabi
His Highness
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
President of the UAE – Ruler of Abu Dhabi
May God protect him
The late
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Dubai
His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE – Ruler of Dubai
May God protect him
The late
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
Sharjah
His Highness
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
Member of the Supreme Council – Ruler of Sharjah
May God protect him
The late
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi
Ajman
His Highness
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi
Member of the Supreme Council – Ruler of Ajman
May God protect him
The late
Sheikh Ahmad bin Rashid Al Mualla
Umm Al Quwain
His Highness
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla
Member of the Supreme Council – Ruler of Umm Al Quwain
May God protect him
The late
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
Ras Al Khaimah
His Highness
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi
Member of the Supreme Council – Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
May God protect him
The late
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi
Fujairah
His Highness
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi
Member of the Supreme Council – Ruler of Fujairah
May God protect him
Chapter Six
The UAE flag… four colours that tell the story of a nation
On 2 December 1971, the flag of the United Arab Emirates was raised for the first time with the proclamation of the state. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan raised the flag of the Union at Union House in Dubai, opening a new chapter in the history of this land.
The flag was designed by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who took part in a competition to design the flag in 1971. Its colours were inspired by the Pan-Arab colours celebrated in Arabic poetry, and became a symbol of national identity, sovereignty, dignity and belonging.
Green
Growth, prosperity and progress.
White
Goodness, generosity and peace.
Black
Strength, resilience and steadfastness.
Red
Courage and the sacrifices of generations in defence of the nation.
Chapter Seven
The third of November… the day hearts gather beneath one flag
The United Arab Emirates celebrates Flag Day on the third of November every year. It is a day of deep national meaning, when Emiratis and residents alike renew their love, loyalty and belonging to the nation.
The date marks the anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan — may he rest in peace — assuming the presidency of the UAE in 2004. On this day the flag rises over institutions, buildings and public squares, a sight that reflects the unity of the nation and its people's pride in their flag.
Flag Day is not the anniversary of the founding of the state; it is a day of its own, celebrating the national flag and the spirit of the Union.
Our flag is more than colours… it is the memory of a nation, the promise of generations and the symbol of a Union.
3 November 2026
Chapter Eight
The story of the Union… a film we dedicate to the Emirates
For UAE Flag Day 2026, Giovanni Chocolate UAE presents a visual work that recalls the story of a nation — from the era of the Trucial States to the moment of Union, and from the legacy of the Founding Fathers to the leadership that continues the journey of progress. A work made with love, respect and appreciation for the history of the United Arab Emirates.
Flag of the Union | The Story of a NationUAE Flag Day 2026 — The Story of a Nation
Read the story of the film
On Flag Day… we raise our flag high — a flag that tells the story of a nation, of a Union, and of a belonging we live every day.
Before the Union… every emirate had its flag, and every land its story. Abu Dhabi… Dubai… Sharjah… Ajman… Umm Al Quwain… Ras Al Khaimah… and Fujairah. Seven emirates… united by one dream.
Through the wisdom of Sheikh Zayed, the resolve of Sheikh Rashid and their brothers the rulers… the dream became a nation.
On the second of December, nineteen seventy-one… the United Arab Emirates was born and its flag rose for the first time… and Ras Al Khaimah joined on the tenth of February, nineteen seventy-two.
Men who laid the foundations… and leaders who carried the trust after them. From Abu Dhabi to Fujairah… one journey that never stops, a covenant renewed between leader and people. Sons who walked the path of their fathers… preserving the legacy, building the renaissance and raising the name of the Emirates among nations.
From the dream of yesterday… to the glory of today, the Emirates rose — a homeland of pride and safety, a beacon of ambition and achievement.
The best successors of the best predecessors. Long live the Union of our Emirates… may your glory endure, our homeland.
And from Giovanni Chocolate UAE: we have lived part of the Emirati dream and grown up on this land of goodness and generosity. With every achievement of the Emirates, our pride and belonging grow for this precious homeland. Happy Flag Day — may the UAE's flag always fly high.
Narration of the Giovanni national film (a creative work, not a documented historical quotation).
Chapter Nine
From the land of the Emirates… with love and gratitude
On the land of the United Arab Emirates, dreams grow, ventures are built, cultures meet, and ambition finds its chance to become reality.
From this blessed land, Giovanni Chocolate UAE is proud to be part of a community that cherishes its history, celebrates its Union and looks to the future with confidence and hope.
On UAE Flag Day, we extend our deepest pride, love and appreciation to the leadership of the UAE and its generous people, and to everyone who shares this nation's joy in its flag and its achievements.
We pray that the UAE continues to enjoy security, safety and prosperity, and that its flag always flies high.
Chapter Ten
UAE Flag Day 2026 Gifts
To celebrate this cherished national occasion, Giovanni Chocolate UAE offers a selection of fine chocolates, gifts and giveaways for national celebrations, organisations, companies, schools and families — an experience that brings together fine chocolate, beautiful presentation and the spirit of the day.
Celebrate Flag Day with your team
Giovanni Chocolate UAE offers a range of chocolate gifts and giveaways for corporate celebrations and national events, based on available products and services.
May God have mercy on Zayed and his brothers the Founders, protect the UAE, its leadership and its people, and keep its flag a symbol of unity, pride and peace.
UAE Flag Day — 3 November 2026
A national celebration page presented by Giovanni Chocolate UAE.
Raise it high… so it stays proud
