AJMAN // When the clock struck noon, the emirates of Ajman and Umm Al Quwain raised the UAE flag high and proud.
Al Murabaa Watchtower on the Ajman Corniche was decorated by girls who wore dresses in the colours of the national flag, while the boys wore military uniform.
The Department of Tourism Development organised the ceremony, which was attended by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman. Sheikh Humaid led the raising of the flag joined by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince, and Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman of Ajman Tourism Development Department, and other officials.
The Ruler expressed the pride of young Emiratis when he said: “The hoisting of the flag of the UAE is a symbol of our unity, pride, loyalty and sense of belonging to the country.
“We take pride in celebrating the UAE Flag Day with the entire nation as we salute our founding fathers whose aspirations and visions made us who we are today, including our current leaders who are working together for a better future for the people of the UAE.”
Ajman’s citizens also expressed their patriotism.
Emirati Ibrahim Al Zayani watched the ceremony with his daughter, who was wearing a red traditional dress and a national flag ribbon tied in her hair.
“This occasion has a special happiness, it is the day of raising the UAE flag high which increases our love and loyalty to our beloved country, in addition to all the victories that are achieved by our beloved martyrs who have contributed to increase our allegiance to our homeland,” the 40-year-old said.
Fahid Ali, a 20-year-old Emirati student from Ajman, said: “It is an indescribable feeling which I can’t express, but I can just say that I am proud I am Zayed’s son and the UAE is my homeland.
“The UAE martyrs have increased our love and pride, and may God protect the country to always see its flag flying high.”
Abdullah Ismael, 21, said he had raised UAE flags above his house but had mixed feelings because of the martyrs’ absence.
“It is a great day and I am happy today that our brothers are martyrs, but sad at the same time, because they were last year with us, celebrating the day.”
In UAQ, the Cultural Centre organised the Flag Day celebrations in Martyrs’ Square, Al Diwan Al Amiri Square, where Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla led the raising of the flag. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud Al Mualla, Crown Prince, government officials and pupils from the emirate’s schools also attended the ceremony.
Jasim Obaid, 18, an Emirati celebrating with his classmates, said that the day reminded him of the days of Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, who was the first Ruler to raise the flag. “It is a special day for the UAE, and it is an honour for me to be available here today in front of the flagpole,” he said.
“The participation of my homeland in Yemen has increased my loyalty and pride, because it is not only about protecting our Arab neighbour but also because we are all originally from Yemen.”
roueiti@thenational.ae
