As the UAE turns into a sea of flags, here’s the story behind the colours we’re all waving
On December 2, 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan raised the UAE flag for the very first time, marking the birth of the nation and declaring its independence and sovereignty. Today, that same flag stands as a powerful symbol of national pride – representing the UAE’s strength, achievements and vision for a peaceful, forward-looking future.
But beyond the symbolism, how well do you really know the flag itself? From its bold design to the meaning behind each colour, here’s a closer look.
What does the UAE flag look like?
The rectangle-shaped flag consists of four colours – red, green, white, and black. Each colour covers a rectangular shape forming the letter ‘E’. The vertical part of the ‘E’ is red, the top horizontal is green, the middle horizontal is white, and the bottom horizontal is black.
So, what do the UAE flag colours mean?
Red: The red colour represents bravery, strength and courage.
Green: The green colour stands for the UAE’s growth and progress and prosperity.
White: The white colour in the UAE flag symbolises peace, generosity and goodwill.
Black: The black colour symbolises the strength and resilience of the state (not oil, contrary to popular belief).
*Watch: Landmarks light up the skyline in UAE flag colours*
Who designed the UAE flag?
The UAE flag we know today was designed by Abdulla Mohammed Al Ma’enah, who entered a nationwide competition announced by Al Diwan Al Amiri in Abu Dhabi. The call for designs was published in Al Ittihad newspaper just two months before the UAE’s formation, drawing an impressive 1,030 submissions.
From those, only six were shortlisted – and one went on to become the iconic flag raised across the nation today. He was just 19 years old and submitted his design just three days before the deadline.
Interestingly enough, he did not know his design had been selected until he saw the flag at Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi with his own eyes.
It is said that the designer was inspired by verses from a poem written by the poet Safi-u-ddin Al Hali. In a poem, the poet says, “white as our deeds, black as our battles, green as our lands, and red as our swords” – a powerful reflection of values like courage, strength, prosperity and peace that continue to resonate today.
The verses are considered the inspiration behind the Pan-Arab colours (black, white, green, and red), which are also found on other Arab national flags, including Jordan, Palestine, and Kuwait.
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