His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has invited everyone across the country to raise the UAE flag on Monday, November 3 at 11 am in celebration of UAE Flag Day.

This annual event marks the start of a month-long celebration culminating in the Eid Al Etihad public holiday. The 2025 edition marks 13 years since the first Flag Day was observed and commemorates the late Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession to the presidency of the UAE.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Mohammed urged Emiratis and residents alike to take part in this national moment of pride.

UAE Flag Day was first introduced in 2013, an initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The day commemorates the moment in 2004 when Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became President of the UAE.

Although it’s not a public holiday, the occasion is widely observed by schools, businesses, and communities across the Emirates, with flags proudly displayed on homes, buildings, and landmarks. Even though Sunday might already be a day off for many, Flag Day itself isn’t part of the official paid holidays.