UAE President marks Flag Day with special tribute to retired service personnel

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has hoisted the UAE flag at a special ceremony in Qasr Al Hosn as he honoured a group of retired Emirati service personnel for their commitment to keep the nation's flag flying high.

The flag was hoisted on Flag Day, marked every year on November 3, as the national anthem played out in the background, national news agency Wam reported. 

Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the crucial role played by the retired personnel, highlighting the "deep loyalty and dedication shown by generations of Emiratis". 

His Highness described them as a "valuable national asset that supports the country’s progress" that will "inspire future generations".

The UAE President first hosted the service personnel at Qasr Al Bateen before accompanying them to Qasr Al Hosn for the main ceremony.

In a post on social media X platform, Sheikh Mohamed highlighted how the Flag Day is an "opportunity to reflect on the nation's journey, recognise our shared responsibility to uphold the values that unite us, and look with confidence to future generations who will continue to drive the UAE’s progress".

Today at Qasr Al Hosn we raised the flag with pride alongside retired service personnel from across the UAE. Flag Day is an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s journey, recognise our shared responsibility to uphold the values that unite us, and look with confidence to future… pic.twitter.com/C0xkqsYukO

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 3, 2025