The UAE Flag
Introduction
UAE Flag History

On December 2, 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had officially raised the UAE flag for the first time, declaring the independence and sovereignty of the then-newly-established United Arab Emirates. Today, The UAE flag is a symbol of national pride for all Emiratis; it represents our strength, achievements, peace, happiness and forward-thinking.
Specification
Flag Composition

The Flag is rectangular—its height is half of its width, segmented into four rectangular segments: The first segment is red, located vertically at the nearest end to the flagpole and occupies a quarter of the flag
width. The three remaining horizontal segments are equal in height and width and are parallel to one another; the upper segment is green, the middle is white, and the lower is black.

Head of State Flag
The Head of State flag contains the UAE federal emblem, centred in the middle of the white segment. This flag is exclusive to the President of the UAE, and no federal entity is allowed to use or raise it–domestically or internationally–under any circumstances
Colours

White
Pantone White
R 225 | G 225 | B 225
C 00 | M 00 | Y 00 | K 00

Red
Pantone 186 C
R 200 | G 16 | B 46
C 00 | M 100 | Y 85 | K 06

Green
Pantone 348 C
R 0 | G 132 | B 61
C 96 | M 02 | Y 100 | K 12

Black
Pantone Black C
R 0 | G 0 | B 0
C 10 | M 10 | Y 10 | K 100
Materials
The UAE flag is always produced with durable and robust cloth that is resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as high temperatures and humidity, sandstorms and rain. All materials must allow the flag to flap. The approved flag materials for the official application in governmental entities are polyester or heavy polyamide threads (100% Nylon). Remember to avoid the use of silk.
Sizes
The size of the flag and flagpoles vary according to where the flag is being raised. The idea is to display the flag in harmony with its environment while maintaining high visibility.

Inside offices

Inside halls

On top of the building

In front of the Building
Outdoor Flagpole Specifications
As a general rule, the flag height is equal to a third of the flagpole’s. Specifications vary according to the nature of the governmental building, in terms space availability in front of the building, the building’s size, and height, and the ownership of the building itself to the government entity.
For ground-fixed flagpoles outdoors, the flagpole head (flagpole tag) must have a white metal component
proportional to the size of the flagpole

White flagpole

Silver flagpole

Gold flagpole (Head of State only)

One third of flag pole
Keep in mind...
The flagpole must be well-fixed and designed to withstand high wind speeds without producing noise when the wind blows.
Office Flag Specifications

The Flag
- Material: De Luxe Fabric with hard canvass inside.
- Thickness: 1.0 mm.
- Dimensions: 170 x 90 cm.
- Border: Canvass border with D ring and ribbon rope for tying and fixing the pole.
- Stitching: Single strong stitching.
The Pole
- Material: Brass.
- Colour: Gold-plated.
- Height: 2-3 m (adjustable).
Application
General Applications
The following instructions are applied considering any laws or guidelines issued by the president or the UAE Cabinet regarding the state flag.

Buildings
The flag is hung at an inclination from a window or balcony, or vertically with the red segment of the flag pointing upwards.

Lamp Posts
During official events, the flag can be raised vertically with the red segment of the flag pointing upwards.

Pins
Flag pins may be produced for government officials and diplomats (2 cm in width and 1 cm in height). Never use the UAE federal emblem as a pin.

Tables
The flag is placed in front of Emirate delegations on meeting tables.

Podium
The UAE flag is raised on a flagpole behind the spokesperson to the right-hand side (observers’ left).

Podium with a Screen
Podium with a screen the flagpole is placed to the right hand side of the spokesperson (observers’ left).

Podium with a Horizontal Flag
The flag must be behind the podium, with the flag always higher than the spokesperson’s head.

Coffins
The red segment of the flag covers the coffin’s upper part, preventing the flag from touching the ground. The flag is removed from the coffin before the end of the funeral, then folded and given to the bereaved family.
Flag Misuse

Do not add any symbols to the state flag.

Do not decorate the flag or add any designs or images on it or attach any pins to it.

Do not use the state flag as a cover for any type of item or object including buildings, vehicles, statues or furniture.

Do not use the flag for decoration, costume or any other uses that violate the original purpose of using the flag.

Do not print the flag on disposable materials such as pillows, napkins or boxes.

Do not use the flag for commercial purposes, as a trademark or a part of a trademark or for advertising and publicity.

Do not change the colours of the flag.
Positioning
What is the correct outdoor flag position for your entity?

Buildings

In front of the Building
The flagpole height, flag size and base area are selected according to the building height, ensuring that the flag height shall be a third of the flagpole height.

On Top of the Building
If there is no sufficient space in front of the building, the flagpole is positioned on top of the building instead. Do not position the flag on top of the building if the building exceeds ten floors.

Inclined from the Building
The flagpole may be inclined from one of the leased floors’ balconies, where the flagpole is 2.4 m in height the flag is 1.5 m in height.

Exemptions
Entities unable to apply the positions above are exempted from placing outdoor flagpoles. In such cases, a flagpole raising the UAE flag must be placed in front of the main entrance or at the reception. Government schools are exempted from placing outdoor flagpoles since all schools have flagpoles inside their yards.
Keep in mind...
When multiple flagpoles line a building entrance, the UAE flag is always raised nearest to the building.
Outdoors Arrangements
The positioning of the UAE flag depends on the number of raised flags, their arrangement and their number. As a general rule inside the UAE, the UAE flag precedes other flags and is always raised in the place of honour.

Even Number
The UAE flag is raised at the far left-hand side of the observer.

Odd Number
The UAE flag is raised at the centre.

Semi-Circle
- Even number: The UAE flag is raised at the two ends of the open semi-circle.
- Odd number: The UAE flag is raised at the centre.

Closed Circle
Two UAE flags are raised, one at the entrance of the building or avenue (must be visible from outside) and another opposite the main entrance.
Keep in mind...
When other flags are raised besides the UAE flag, they are placed according to the protocol regulating the order of the different state flags.
Entrances
In case there are several flagpoles raised at a government building’s entrance, the UAE flag is always raised nearest to the entrance.
When flagpoles are raised on both sides of the building, two UAE flags are raised on either side (nearest to the building).



Flagpoles With Different Heights
There are two main treatments in cases where outdoor flagpoles have different heights.

Raising the flag along with commercial or local flags
The UAE flag is raised on the highest flagpole.

Raising the flag along with other state flags
The taller flagpole must be free of any flags, and state flags protocol shall be followed, provided that all remaining flagpoles have the same height.
Meetings & Events
The UAE flag represents the country’s participation in local, regional and international meetings and events. The UAE flag’s placement varies according to the occasion and makeup of its participants.

The Arab League
Flags are sorted as per The Arab League’s protocol.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The flags of GCC states are sorted from the observer’s right in the Arabic alphabetical order. The UAE flag is first from the observer’s right.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Flags are sorted as per the organizations’ (e.g. United Nations) protocols.
Tip!
You can always contact the UAE Government Media Office if you need any clarification: Gov.brand@gmo.gov.ae
Local Events: Chaired by UAE
The UAE flag is positioned at the Place of Honour, to the observer’s left. Other flags are sorted alphabetically.

When all participants are Arab states, flags are sorted in the Arabic alphabetical order from the observer’s right.

When non-Arab states are present, flags are sorted in the English alphabetical order from the observer’s left.
Local Events: Not Chaired by UAE
All flags are sorted alphabetically.

When all participants are Arab states, flags are sorted in the Arabic alphabetical order from the observer’s right.

When non-Arab states are present, flags are sorted in the English alphabetical order from the observer’s left.
Protocol
Raising the Flag

Raising the Flag
- Flag specifications (e.g. dimensions, colours, materials) must be met before raising the flag.
- Flags that are worn, damaged or discoloured must be replaced and never raised.
- If the flag is raised in a horizontal position, the red section of the flag must be on the left-hand side of the observer facing the flag.
- The flag must be raised at a reasonable speed.
- The flag must be raised to the top of the flagpole and tightly secured.
- While the flag is being raised, it must be saluted by military personnel. Any passing person at the location must stand still to show respect during the flag-raising ceremony

Raising the Flag with Other Flags
- Raising other countries’ flags is allowed only in official events and celebration of these countries, provided that the UAE flag is raised to accompany it. This also applies when raising flags in public avenues and vehicles.
- The UAE flag must not be hung or raised lower than any other flag.
- The UAE flag must be raised first; followed by the other flags. Follow the applicable protocols in cases of regional or international events.
Keep in mind...
Any person present in a place where the national anthem is being played in the presence of a raised state flag shall stand up facing the flag
Lowering the Flag

Lowering
- While the flag is being lowered, it must be saluted by military personnel. Any passing person at the location must stand still to show respect during the flag-lowering ceremony.
- To prevent the flag from falling or touching the ground due to weather conditions or vehicle accidents, the flag must first be lowered and untied from the flagpole, folded and stored until the flagpole is repaired or replaced.
- If the UAE flag was present along with other countries’ flags, it is preferred to half-mast and lower all flags simultaneously. If not possible, the UAE flag shall be the last to be lowered or in half-mast position.

Half-Mast
- A raised flag on a flagpole is half-mast in the event of officially declaring a national mourning day.
- In the case of the state mourning the death of any individuals identified by the government, all UAE diplomatic missions, embassies and consulates abroad must half-mast their flags along the specified mourning period upon notice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.
- The raised flag must be lowered to the bottom of the flagpole first, then raised it to the half-mast position.
- If the flagpole is clear of any flags, the flag is raised first to the highest point of the flagpole, then lowered slowly to the middle of the flagpole position
Flag Maintenance

- The flag must be cleaned and ironed regularly.
- The flag must be inspected every time before raising to ensure it is free from any damage, discolouring, or tearing.
- The flag must be inspected after intense storms or abnormal weather conditions to ensure its integrity and ability to flap freely.
- The flag must be replaced periodically to maintain its colour and quality.
- Flags that are worn, torn, or discoloured must always be replaced—regardless of the severity of damage.
- While replacing a damaged flag, the flag shall be lowered slowly, folded, and kept in a suitable place.
- Damaged flags may be recycled by disintegrating their parts so that they no longer represent the shape of the flag nor indicate its previous representation.
- Burning the flag must be avoided to preserve the environment.
- Flags must be folded at the conclusion of an official mission or event.
- Flags that are not in use must be folded and stored in the flag case.
- It is forbidden to drop, destroy, or insult the flag in any way. Such acts include tearing it apart, lowering it from the raised position, or committing any act that expresses contempt, hatred, or disrespect towards the flag. Whoever commits such acts shall be punished according to article (3) of Federal Law No. (2) of 1971.
Flagpole Maintenance

- Flagpoles must be cleaned periodically from any dirt or rust that may distort its general appearance or tarnish the flag when being raised on the flagpole.
- The highest safety standards of flagpole components must be met. Flagpoles must undergo regular maintenance to ensure the safety of those in charge of raising and lowering the flag as well as the safety of the flag itself.
- The flagpole must be inspected after sandstorms or other abnormal weather conditions to ensure the flagpole’s safety and guarantee it is in good condition.
Flag Folding

Straighten the flag and fold it at the centre along its horizontal edge.

Fold the flag again at the centre along its horizontal edge.

Fold the flag vertically at the centre.
