President Sheikh Mohamed led the celebrations on Monday as the UAE came together in a show of patriotic pride to mark its 13th annual Flag Day.

The UAE leader raised the flag high at a colourful ceremony held at Qasr Al Hosn as a military guard of honour was formed and the national anthem rang out.

He was joined at the event by a group of retired Emirati military personnel, who were recognised for their dedicated service to the Emirates.

Sheikh Mohamed said the banner occasion served as an opportunity to recognise the nation's progress and look to the future with optimism.

“Today at Qasr Al Hosn we raised the flag with pride alongside retired service personnel from across the UAE,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.

“Flag Day is an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s journey, recognise our shared responsibility to uphold the values that unite us, and look with confidence to future generations who will continue to drive the UAE’s progress.”

The group of military veterans were invited to the event in appreciation for their long-standing service to the country and the crucial role they have played in its development.

Sheikh Mohamed had earlier welcomed the retirees at a reception held at Qasr Al Bateen, before accompanying them to Qasr Al Hosn.

He praised them as a “valuable national asset”, whose accomplishments and enduring values of loyalty, belonging and national duty would inspire future generations of Emiratis.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attended a Flag Day celebration held in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Sheikh Mohammed was joined by 150 students from schools across Dubai.

The UAE flag will always represent pride, dignity and progress, said Sheikh Mohammed, according to a statement from Dubai Government Media Office. National progress is the responsibility of every individual and belonging to the country is expressed through work, conduct and achievement, he added.

The leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed, with the support of the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, had resulted in a UAE that is "today stronger, more stable, and more prosperous, with its flag standing as a lasting symbol of dignity, unity, and progress", Sheikh Mohammed said.

Landmark event

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, raised the UAE flag at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mansour said that Flag Day symbolises the unity of the Emirati people and their solidarity under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, took part in a Flag Day event held on the grounds of Zayed National Museum, a much-anticipated attraction set to open its doors to the public next month.

“UAE Flag Day is a historic national moment that reflects the deep sense of belonging and loyalty our people hold for their nation and its leadership," Sheikh Khaled said.

"It is an occasion to renew our collective commitment to uphold the values and achievements of the Union, as envisioned by [UAE Founding Father] the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow founding rulers of the UAE.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, said the UAE flag would always be a symbol of visionary leadership and the people’s shared pursuit of progress and prosperity.

He added the flag also represents the values of unity, loyalty and belonging, and reflects the spirit of a people who stand behind their leadership with pride and honour, stated the Dubai Media Government Media Office.

"Just as we inherited our values from a generation that believed unity is the path to strength and leadership, we are now passing them on to future generations as we build an even stronger and more dynamic nation,” he said.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, said Flag Day symbolised unity, pride and deep-rooted loyalty to the homeland, state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Tahnoon noted in a statement that the UAE has earned a leading position in global competitiveness, distinguished by its diplomacy and soft power that advance the values of peace and coexistence around the world. “Wherever the UAE flag is raised high, its noble message of peace and security rises with it,” he said.

The UAE flag was also flying high at other prominent sites on Monday in recognition of the country's rich heritage. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, proudly raised the UAE flag at Al Dhafra Fort.

He was joined by a number of sheikh's and officials, as well as senior citizens and other residents from Al Dhafra.

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region, raised the nation's flag at Al Jahili Fort, which was constructed in 1890.

The event was attended by the families of UAE soldiers killed in the line of duty and schoolchildren from the area.

The UAE Armed Forces' military band was on hand to deliver a rendition of the national anthem.

Flag Day was established in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to commemorate the accession of the late President Sheikh Khalifa in 2004.

On November 3 each year, schools, businesses, government departments, citizens and residents raise the flag at 11am to demonstrate their appreciation for the Emirates.