Raising the UAE national flag is important but so is looking the part

Adults and children alike enjoy dressing in the national colours to embrace the spirit of Flag Day and orders for tailor-made outfits are placed weeks in advance of November 3.

 Ghofran Abbad, 8, weare designer Aisha Al Mamari ‘s UAE flag collection for children. Courtesy Stylish
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FUJAIRAH // At the heart of Flag Day is proudly raising the UAE’s colours high on flagpoles across the country but there is also the question of attire for the big day.

Adults and children alike enjoy dressing in the national colours to embrace the spirit of the occasion and orders for tailor-made outfits are placed weeks in advance of November 3 to ensure they are ready on time.

Ghofran Abbad, an 8-year-old Emirati, said she has been waiting for Flag Day to come so she can wear her specially-designed dress and hold the UAE flag aloft.

“This is a special day for all of us and we are proud of our country and our leaders. My mother ordered the dress last week, and I was so excited to receive it,” she said.

“I went with my mother to buy accessories and hair ribbons that match the dress, coloured in red, green, white and black, and I also bought a brooch that has our leaders’ photos.

Ghofran attends a private school in Fujairah and was to represent the UAE in a school play on Thursday.

“Every student will wear a national dress that represents their country and we will all participate in raising the UAE flag up high,” she said.

One Emirati woman who has dedicated time to creating unique dresses for Flag Day over the past three years is Aisha Al Mamari, who runs a clothing business called Stylish Abaya.

“UAE flag colours represent so many meanings, like unity, prosperity and peace, and adding the colours to any piece [of clothing] creates a masterpiece,” said the 35-year-old.

“Our country’s current and past achievements has inspired me to participate in this national event by designing colourful young children’s clothes for this special occasion.”

Ms Al Mamari designed dresses for girls aged between 1 and 12 and coloured vests for boys.

“I used high-quality fabrics in my designs. For girls, I made about six designs to suit all tastes and, for boys, I designed two vests, one with the UAE flag colours and the other one in an army style.

“It’s a celebration that means a lot to all of us as it reflects the vision of our leaders and the efforts of our Founding Fathers to keep the nation high and united.”

rhaza@thenational.ae