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