There are strict laws and rules that go with displaying the UAE flag
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently called for UAE residents to raise the UAE flag from a post on his X social media account.
دخلت دولة الإمارات الأزمة الأخيرة متحدة .. وخرجت منها وهي أكثر اتحاداً والتفافاً وولاءً.. مواطنين ومقيمين .. صغاراً وكباراً .. عسكريين ومدنيين .. حكوميين واقتصاديين .. الجميع متحد تحت راية الدولة وعلمها ورمز وحدتها ..
علم الإمارات رمز القوة والفخر .. ندعو أبناء الإمارات… pic.twitter.com/OTptAu5lVp
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 9, 2026
“We call upon the sons of the UAE and its residents on its blessed land to raise it above homes, institutions, and buildings.”
If you don’t follow these rules, it could land you at least 10 years in person and a fine of no less than Dhs500,000, if you drop, damage or offend the flag, according to the UAE federal law.
Also read: 5 places to buy the UAE flag
These punishments also extend to the localised flags of each individual emirate, the flag of the Cooperative Council for Gulf Arab States or the flag of any other states.
Here’s what you need to know:
Misuse of the UAE flag includes the following:
- Do not add any symbols to the flag
- Do not decorate the flag or add designs or images, or attach any pins to it
- Do not use the flag to cover any type of item or objec,t including buildings, vehicles, statues or furniture
- Do not use the flag for decoration, costume or any other uses that violate the original purpose of using the flag
- Do not print the flag on disposable materials such as pillows, napkins or boxes
- Do not use the flag for commercial purposes, as a trademark or as part of a trademark or for advertising and publicity
- Do not use colours other than those specified in the flag guidelines when using the flag in commercial applications
- Do not wrap the flag around any shapes or forms
- Do not attach any additional elements to the flag
Rules to display:
The flag should be rectangular with the height half of its width and the colours in the correct order.
The owner must check on the flag’s condition every 45 days to ensure no damage has occurred – and it must be changed every six months.
These rules are in place for any buildings where the flag is hung permanently such as a government building or embassy.
The UAE flag must also be cleaned and ironed regularly, replaced periodically to maintain its colour and any damaged flags should be lowered slowly when they are being replaced.
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