Symbols of the UAE - in pictures

Sheikh Zayed and Ahmed Al Suwaidi confirm the final design of the UAE Flag in 1971. Photo: Dr Hamed Bin Mohamed Al Suwaidi
Sheikh Zayed and Ahmed Al Suwaidi confirm the final design of the UAE Flag in 1971. Photo: Dr Hamed Bin Mohamed Al Suwaidi
An Emirati from the Qubaisi tribe trains falcons in the Liwa desert during the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival. Karim Sahib / AFP
An Emirati from the Qubaisi tribe trains falcons in the Liwa desert during the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival. Karim Sahib / AFP
Arabian Oryx at Al Wadi desert reserve in Ras Al Khaimah. Antonie Robertson / The National
Arabian Oryx at Al Wadi desert reserve in Ras Al Khaimah. Antonie Robertson / The National
Abdullah Al Mazrouei inspects bunches of dates ahead of judging on the opening day of the Liwa Date Festival. Ravindranath K / The National
Abdullah Al Mazrouei inspects bunches of dates ahead of judging on the opening day of the Liwa Date Festival. Ravindranath K / The National
A ghaf tree, the UAE's national tree, near Ras Al Khaimah. Randi Sokoloff / The National
A ghaf tree, the UAE's national tree, near Ras Al Khaimah. Randi Sokoloff / The National
Gahwa, or coffee, is prepared over an open fire. Silvia Razgova / Crown Prince Court – Abu Dhabi
Gahwa, or coffee, is prepared over an open fire. Silvia Razgova / Crown Prince Court – Abu Dhabi
Devil's thorn (Tribulus terrestris) flowering. The plant has adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. Getty
Devil's thorn (Tribulus terrestris) flowering. The plant has adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. Getty
The UAE emblem is the inspiration for a falcon monument at a roundabout in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Alamy
The UAE emblem is the inspiration for a falcon monument at a roundabout in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Alamy