Flag Day is being celebrated across the UAE today, but for Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the occasion takes on particular meaning.
Sheikh Mo is actually the founder of Flag Day: launched in 2013 to commemorate the accession of Sheikh Khalifa as President of the UAE, the country has been celebrating Flag Day on November 3 since 2013, though this year it was moved one day earlier-- to November 2.
To ring in the 5th annual Flag Day, Sheikh Mo brought his youngest daughter, Sheikha Al Jalila, along with him to raise the flag at The Union House.
The royals could not have picked a more perfect spot for the flag raising. The Union House is where the UAE officially came into existence in 1971, and so it's fitting that Shiekh Mo brought his daughter to see the place where it all began.
School children stood on either side of a red carpet at the Union House as Sheikh Mo and Sheikha Al Jalila walked hand-in-hand toward a flag that was being raised.
Celebrations will continue throughout the day, and the Burj Khalifa will light up with the UAE flag tonight, so keep your eyes peeled as you're out and about this evening!
.@HHShkMohd hoists #UAE flag at Union House #Dubaipic.twitter.com/uvOclM2zEP
- Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 2, 2017