ABU DHABI // The country’s people were draped in the national colours – the symbol of their national identity – as a show of unity to mark Flag Day.
From the 5,000 flags distributed among health centres by Dubai Health Authority, to the 5,000 metre silk flag beginning to be stitched by an Afghan expatriate and his two dozen friends in Mussaffah, Flag Day saw the nation swell with pride.
Each emirate was united in its solidarity behind the country’s vision for the future, and the tributes to those who have fallen in conflict in a turbulent year.
It was also a tribute to the global achievements of Sheikh Khalifa, who became President 11 years ago on Tuesday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attended the flag raising with 5,000 schoolchildren at Dubai Creek at noon, as the flag was being raised simultaneously around the country. “I gave directions for our national flag to be raised today at the same time,” he said.
“I wanted to emphasise the important fact that we are all one in the UAE, we confirm our belonging to one nation, work to achieve the one goal which is glory, and consolidate our loyalty to the leader of the march of development, President Sheikh Khalifa, promising Allah Almighty to forever keep our flag always flown high in pride of our country and the unity of its people.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, spoke of the country’s “unity, cohesion and solidarity”.
“We raise the flag today to show our great love and appreciation for the UAE President for his national efforts and his continuous initiatives to keep the nation high and cherished,” Sheikh Mohammed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said on Twitter.
“Our unity, cohesion and solidarity are the source of our strength. They are our constant approach, founded by the late Sheikh Zayed and solidified by Sheikh Khalifa.”
The occasion was an important opportunity to unite the hearts of all Emiratis to reaffirm their allegiance to the nation and its leadership, said Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
“We recall on this day as we celebrate the Flag Day and the accession anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa, the President, the efforts made by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed – God rest his soul in peace – who laid the foundations of a modern state,” he said.
“Celebrating the event by raising the UAE flag across the emirates at the same time reflects the unity of the large Emirati family, and affection the people of the UAE have for their home country and their leader.”
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, was at the ministry offices to mark Flag Day, with Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Sheikh Abdullah described the day as an occasion dear to the hearts of all Emiratis, reflecting national values and promoting the wise vision of the leaders.
“Despite all challenges we are facing, we see how mature the UAE has become and the noble initiative of nationals and expatriates to raise the UAE flag to recall the efforts made by the late Sheikh Zayed and the other founding fathers,” he said.
Sheikh Abdullah said he was proud of Emiratis and expatriates who yesterday showed their love and loyalty.
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, National Security Adviser, paid tribute to the Emirati heroes who have given their lives in Yemen: “As we all aspire to achieve top places where our flag flies high in the spheres of building, progress and excellence, we express our great respect for the sacrifices of our Armed Forces martyrs.”
A flag guide from the Cabinet shows red symbolises the sacrifices of previous generations who laid the foundations for the Union, and of the nation’s martyrs.
Green is for growth, prosperity and culture; white for charitable contributions and support for security and peace in the world; and black for the strength of Emiratis and their rejection of injustice and extremism.
Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Labour, raised the flag at Fujairah’s Labour Office. “The flag shall remain, with God’s will, flapping in our skies to express a wonderful bond between the nation’s leaders and people, with pride and honour.”
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Roma 4
Milner (15' OG), Dzeko (52'), Nainggolan (86', 90 4')
Liverpool 2
Mane (9'), Wijnaldum (25')
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
TOUR DE FRANCE INFO
Dates: July 1-23
Distance: 3,540km
Stages: 21
Number of teams: 22
Number of riders: 198
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
Fixtures
Sunday, December 8, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v USA
Monday, December 9, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – USA v Scotland
Wednesday, December 11, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v Scotland
Thursday, December 12, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v USA
Saturday, December 14, ICC Academy, Dubai – USA v Scotland
Sunday, December 15, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v Scotland
Note: All matches start at 10am, admission is free
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Tuesday results:
- Singapore bt Malaysia by 29 runs
- UAE bt Oman by 13 runs
- Hong Kong bt Nepal by 3 wickets
Final:
Thursday, UAE v Hong Kong
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Men’s singles
Group A: Son Wan-ho (Kor), Lee Chong Wei (Mas), Ng Long Angus (HK), Chen Long (Chn)
Group B: Kidambi Srikanth (Ind), Shi Yugi (Chn), Chou Tien Chen (Tpe), Viktor Axelsen (Den)
Women’s Singles
Group A: Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn), Pusarla Sindhu (Ind), Sayaka Sato (Jpn), He Bingjiao (Chn)
Group B: Tai Tzu Ying (Tpe), Sung Hi-hyun (Kor), Ratchanok Intanon (Tha), Chen Yufei (Chn)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Day 1 results:
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia