Dubai marks UAE Flag Day: seven emirates raise flags together at 11 a.m. as National Month opens

The United Arab Emirates marked its 14th Flag Day on Nov. 3. Government offices, schools and private institutions across all seven emirates raised the national flag in unison at 11 a.m., opening four weeks of national festivities culminating in the 55th Eid Al Etihad on Dec. 2. Flag Day is not a public holiday, and regular work and school hours remained in effect. (Photo: file photo of the UAE flag in front of Dubai skyscrapers, not taken on Nov. 3.)

Dubai highlights: 1,000-drone show, Flag Garden, month of events

Dubai's celebrations include a prime-time aerial display at Global Village, where 1,000 programmed drones recreate national iconography over the Main Stage at 8 p.m.; the 13th edition of the Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim Beach, beside the Burj Al Arab, opened by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office; and the emirate-wide 'National Month' programme from Nov. 3 to Dec. 2, covering Flag Day, Eid Al Etihad festivities, the Flag Garden, the UAE Parade and the 'Stories of Our Determination' short film competition. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called on citizens, residents, institutions and schools to take part, describing the occasion as an expression of unity, belonging and loyalty; National Month was launched by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. Sources: Emirates News Agency via Dubai Week, Nov. 3, 2026; Brand Dubai announcement via Asian Lite and Dubai Currents; Sheikh Mohammed social media post.