In brief
On 3 November 2026, President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan raised the UAE flag at the historic Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, joined by 55 accomplished individuals from diverse sectors. The ceremony underscored the nation’s unity, pride, and the leadership’s commitment to nurturing talent in its 55-year journey.
On 3 November 2026, amid the historic backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Hosn, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan marked Flag Day by hoisting the national flag and welcoming 55 distinguished individuals who represent 55 years of the United Arab Emirates’ union.
The ceremony took place in front of the Fortress, a symbol of the country’s heritage, and was accompanied by a performance of the national anthem. 55 individuals, drawn from a range of sectors, stood alongside the President to celebrate the flag’s significance as a unifying emblem of sovereignty and national pride.
Flag‑Raising Ceremony Highlights
His Highness began the proceedings by striking the flag‑pole, as the flag unfurled against the afternoon sky. The event drew attention from the assembled dignitaries and the local crowd gathered to witness the tribute to the UAE’s founding principles.
His Highness preceded the flag‑raising with a short address, stressing the importance of the flag as a symbol of unity. The President said that the participation of 55 accomplished individuals reflected the leadership’s commitment to fostering excellence and recognising talent and creativity in advancing the nation’s development.
His Highness said:
To mark Flag Day, I was honoured to raise the UAE flag at Qasr Al Hosn alongside 55 accomplished individuals from various sectors, representing the 55 years of our Union. As we reflect on the journey begun by the late Sheikh Zayed and his fellow Rulers, we look with confidence to our people, whose ambition and determination will continue to drive the UAE’s progress and prosperity.
The President added that the people of the UAE are the most precious asset and the source of its strength and pride.
During the proceedings, the 55 participants expressed their pride at joining His Highness in marking the national occasion and signed photographs with the President. The event concluded with a group photo at the flag‑pole and a collective rehearsal of the national anthem.
The flag‑raising ceremony at Qasr Al Hosn thus reaffirmed the nation’s shared values, its collective journey over 55 years, and the ongoing role of its people in steering its future prosperity.
