UAE embassies and representative missions have celebrated Flag Day, which reflects the culture of respect that the people of the UAE have for the flag, as it is a symbol of sovereignty, unity and belonging, while symbolising the values of belonging to the nation and loyalty to its leaders.

The Flag Day celebrations were in response to the call of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to mark 3rd November each year as Flag Day, as it coincides with the anniversary of the accession of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Embassies and representative missions around the world ensured enthusiastic participation and flag-hoisting ceremonies.

In Hong Kong, the UAE Consulate-General held the Flag Day ceremony, in the presence of Nabila Al Shamsi, UAE Consul-General to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in an initiative that reflects the culture of respect for the flag.

Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Tunaiji, UAE Ambassador to Mongolia, held the Flag Day celebration, which embodies the highest sense of cohesion and nation-building, and is an opportunity to renew the covenant and reaffirm loyalty to the UAE’s prudent leadership.

Saif Abdullah Mohammed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Thailand, along with embassy officials, health attaches and the Mubadala Petroleum company in Thailand raised the UAE flag in front of the embassy in Bangkok.

In South Korea, Rashid Al Shamsi, Deputy Head of the State Mission in Seoul, and Colonel Saeed Al Naqbi, Assistant Military Attaché, along with the embassy and military attaché in Seoul, held a flag-raising ceremony at the embassy building to mark the Flag Day with the participation of citizens and embassy staff.

In Jakarta, Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ghafli, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, accompanied by diplomatic and administrative staff at the embassy, participated in the Flag Day celebration.

Khaled Ibrahim Abdul Aziz Shuhail, UAE Ambassador to Vietnam, said, "Raising the flag is a national occasion to express our love for the country. This is a reflection of the unity and cohesion of the people of the UAE under the State's flag. Today, we renew our resolve and loyalty to our leader President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan."

The UAE Consul-General in Melbourne, Saeed Matar Al Qamzi, and all consular staff and police attaches attended the flag-raising ceremony at the consulate headquarters.

The UAE Embassy in New Zealand, celebrated the Flag Day with the participation of Saleh Ahmad Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to New Zealand, in the presence of all diplomatic and personnel members of the mission.

Al Suwaidi valued the importance of celebrating this important occasion. "The UAE flag is a symbol of identity and belonging to the dear homeland and embodies the highest values of loyalty, peace, justice and tolerance," he said.

"It is a symbol of unity among all citizens and residents and a renewal of allegiance to the leadership," he added.

In Seychelles, the UAE Embassy celebrated the occasion in the presence of the Acting Charge d'affaires, Khalid Ali Al-Qaydi, who delivered a speech on this occasion, and expressed his sincere congratulations to the wise leadership represented by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He also valued their efforts for the advancement of the country.

The UAE Embassies in India, Tehran, and Turkmenistan also celebrated the day in the presence of ambassadors, heads of missions and staff.

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, UAE Ambassador Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, described the Flag Day as a symbol of unity and accord among the Emirati people that reflects their loyalty to the leadership.

Khalifa Yousif Mohammed Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Ghana, participated with the embassy and all staff members in raising the UAE flag at the mission headquarters.

Ghazi Abdullah Salem Al Mehri, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Ethiopia and South of Sudan, and Permanent Representative to the African Union, led the flag-raising ceremony, in the presence of embassy members and employees.

In Tanzania and Kenya, the UAE embassies marked the Flag Day. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Suweidi, UAE Ambassador to Tanzania, delivered a speech on the meanings of the celebration of the day as a source of pride and noted that the flag is part of the national identity and reflects the values of loyalty, peace, justice and tolerance.

On the occasion, the UAE embassies and its representative missions in all countries of the European continent held a flag-raising ceremony. The UAE Embassy in Switzerland held a flag-raising ceremony, which was attended by diplomats and members of the embassy.

Hamad Ali Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to Austria, emphasised that celebrating the Flag Day reflects cohesion among the people of the UAE and loyalty to their leaders.