Department of Government Support celebrates UAE Flag Day

The Department of Government Support - Abu Dhabi )DGS(, and its affiliated government entities, today celebrated the UAE’s Flag Day, which marks the accession anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the office of President of the United Arab Emirates.

H.E. Ali Rashid Al Ketbi, Chairman of the DGS, raised the UAE flag at the Department’s headquarters in the presence of the DGS Undersecretary, and their Excellencies the Directors-General of government entities affiliated with the DGS: Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), Human Resources Authority (HRA), and the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG).

Celebrations took place in an atmosphere of patriotism which reflect the values of loyalty and symbolises the cohesiveness and unity of Emirati people under the UAE Flag. Precautionary measures, such as social distancing, were applied to ensure the safety of all in attendance. 

H.E. Ali Rashid Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Department of Government Support - Abu Dhabi, said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God protect him), his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai (may God protect him), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and all Emirati people on the occasion of Flag Day, which promotes the values of patriotism and love for the country and its leadership.”

H.E. Al Ketbi added: “The event was organised in collaboration with the government entities affiliated with the Department of Government Support. Flag Day is also an embodiment for the collective efforts and unity as we all celebrate under the umbrella of the UAE flag that symbolizes the nation’s unity, glory, pride, and respect. 

He added, “It is a day to remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who laid the foundations for our nation’s unity, and it is also an opportunity to renew our devotion to the leadership of the UAE, and to build on the progress of what has been achieved in various areas of government work. This will only transpire through the adoption of values such as collaboration and empowerment, and delivery of government services at the highest international standards.

H.E. Mohamed Abdel Hameed Al Askar, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, said: “On UAE Flag Day, we remember the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, and his brothers who laid the solid foundations of the Union and instilled in us the values of giving and love for the country.”

H.E. Al Askar stressed that the UAE’s wise leadership constantly seeks to harness all its efforts to empower the Emirati people and to improve their quality of life.

H.E. Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Human Resources, said: “The flag is a symbol of the pride of the nation, and the celebration of this occasion has become a constant national value that will be passed down through generations, as it is a renewal of the loyalty and national spirit of the people of the Emirates and an affirmation of unity in line with our wise leadership’s directives.”

H.E. Al Mazrouei also stated that Emirati youth must be empowered to cultivate values and preserve the Emirati national identity, saying: “The youth are the nation’s wealth, responsible for carrying its banner and shaping its bright future by accomplishing further distinguished achievements.”

H.E. Al Mazrouei added: “We extend our greetings to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God protect him), his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai (may God protect him), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of Emirates, and all Emirati people on the occasion of Flag Day.”

Dr. Nama Salmeen Al Ameri, Dean of Abu Dhabi School of Government, said: “Flag Day is a national occasion dear to the hearts of citizens and residents across the UAE. It brings everyone together to raise high the flag of our beloved country as an expression of our unity and our loyalty to the UAE and its wise leadership.”

Al Ameri added, “Today, we pledge to continue building upon our nation’s achievements with the support and guidance of our wise leadership, so that the UAE’s flag remains high as a beacon of hope and tolerance, a symbol of how determination can overcome any challenges or obstacles.”

The UAE’s Flag Day was announced in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to mark the anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming the President of the United Arab Emirates on 3rd November 2004. The initiative reflects the culture of respect for the UAE flag and its sanctity as a symbol of UAE sovereignty and unity.