An Emirati fondly recalls the historic occasion of standing beside Sheikh Zayed as the UAE flag was hoisted for the very first time, marking a defining moment in the nation’s history.
Emirati Remembers Moment Standing with Sheikh Zayed During First Raising of UAE Flag.
On December 2, 1971, a historic and transformative moment took place at Union House in Dubai, as the United Arab Emirates raised its national flag for the very first time. This event marked the formal establishment of a new nation, uniting the seven emirates under a single banner and signaling the birth of a sovereign state on the Arabian Peninsula. The occasion represented not only a political milestone but also a deeply symbolic act, embodying the aspirations, dreams, and collaborative spirit of leaders and citizens who had worked tirelessly to bring the federation into existence. For those present that day, witnessing the flag ascend into the sky was a powerful affirmation of unity, identity, and national pride.
Among the select few who had the privilege of witnessing this moment firsthand was Khalifa Al Suwaidi, a close associate of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Al Suwaidi accompanied Sheikh Zayed on a remarkable journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, a trip that carried profound historical significance. During the journey, he observed Sheikh Zayed’s unwavering focus on the vision of a united nation and the careful attention he paid to every detail of the federation’s formation. Standing alongside Sheikh Zayed at Union House, Al Suwaidi watched as the flag was hoisted for the first time, an experience that he later described as unforgettable, a moment in which the hopes of an entire nation were elevated along with the fluttering flag.
Reflecting on the journey, Al Suwaidi emphasized that it was guided by a profound sense of unity and collective purpose. The trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai was more than a physical passage—it was a symbolic passage of leadership, cooperation, and determination. Along the route, Sheikh Zayed engaged with his companions and shared thoughts about the responsibilities and aspirations that would shape the future of the fledgling nation. One particularly significant stop occurred in Jebel Ali, where Sheikh Zayed spoke with his close friends and advisors about the practical and philosophical foundations of the new state. These conversations, Al Suwaidi recalled, reflected a careful blend of vision, planning, and foresight, underscoring Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to building a strong, cohesive federation capable of growth, stability, and prosperity.
When Sheikh Zayed arrived in Dubai, the ceremony at Union House unfolded with a sense of anticipation and national pride. The flag-raising itself was more than a ceremonial act; it was a powerful emblem of the country’s unity, sovereignty, and shared identity. For those who stood witness, including Al Suwaidi, the moment encapsulated the essence of nation-building—an embodiment of hope, cooperation, and the realization of a dream that had long been envisioned by the leaders of the emirates. The event also highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s inspirational leadership, his dedication to consensus, and his belief in the importance of collective responsibility in shaping a modern and forward-looking state.
In hindsight, the first raising of the UAE flag represents a defining moment in the nation’s history. It symbolizes the unity of the emirates, the vision of Sheikh Zayed, and the spirit of collaboration that laid the foundation for the UAE’s remarkable growth and development in the decades that followed. For Khalifa Al Suwaidi and others present that day, it was a memory etched in history—a vivid reminder of the birth of a nation and the shared journey of its people toward a prosperous and unified future.
Khalifa Al Suwaidi recalls the early morning of that historic day with remarkable vividness, as if the memory were etched into his mind. “We departed Abu Dhabi at a very early hour,” he recounted, “and I followed in the car immediately behind Sheikh Zayed.” Despite the weight of the moment—the founding of a new nation, the raising of its flag for the very first time—Sheikh Zayed exuded a calm and composed demeanor. Al Suwaidi observed him closely, noting a quiet intensity in his expression, a sense of foresight and vision that seemed to transcend the present. It was as though Sheikh Zayed could already see the UAE fully formed, not merely as a federation on paper but as a thriving, united country with a promising future. Even in the midst of the logistical preparations, the journey itself, and the anticipation surrounding the flag-raising ceremony, Sheikh Zayed remained reflective and measured, focused on the broader significance of the day. Al Suwaidi’s recollection captures not only the serene presence of the nation’s founding father but also the profound sense of purpose and clarity that guided him during one of the most defining moments in the UAE’s history.
At the time of the historic journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, the road linking the two emirates was far from fully developed, presenting a long and somewhat rugged passage. Yet, despite the modest infrastructure and the early morning quiet, the journey was alive with conversations that would leave a lasting imprint on the formation of a nation. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, accompanied by his close aides and Khalifa Al Suwaidi among them, used the time on the road to reflect and discuss the vision, values, and principles that would guide the newly formed United Arab Emirates. Every mile brought not just physical progress but symbolic momentum, as the leader’s thoughts centered on unity, cooperation, and nation-building.
As the convoy approached Dubai, Sheikh Zayed chose to pause at an open desert stretch in Jebel Ali, a remote area at the time that would, in later decades, evolve into one of the world’s most important economic hubs. Standing in the vast, empty desert, Al Suwaidi recalled the profound atmosphere: “We stood in Jebel Ali… it was an empty stretch of land,” he remembered. “Sheikh Zayed sat with his friends and spoke at length about the meaning of unity. He said that building a state requires bringing hearts together before anything else.” Those words were emblematic of the founding father’s philosophy—that the success of a nation begins not merely with laws or agreements, but with the bonds of trust, respect, and collaboration among its people.
During this reflective pause, Sheikh Zayed shared words that Al Suwaidi would carry with him for a lifetime: “Today, we begin building a nation not just on sand, but on love and collective work.” It was a statement that went beyond the symbolism of the desert landscape, evoking the deeper ideals of shared responsibility, solidarity, and forward-thinking leadership. The desert, vast and seemingly empty, became a backdrop for the articulation of values that would underpin the UAE’s growth and stability.
Following this pivotal moment at Jebel Ali, the convoy continued toward Union House in Dubai, where the rulers of the emirates had begun gathering for the formal declaration of the union. Al Suwaidi positioned himself just a few steps behind Sheikh Zayed as preparations were made for a historic ceremony—the first raising of the UAE flag. The air was thick with anticipation, a quiet intensity that spoke to the importance of the occasion. Al Suwaidi vividly recalled the scene: “When Sheikh Zayed held the flagpole, a deep silence filled the place,” he said. “Everyone knew we were witnessing the beginning of something extraordinary.”
As the flag was slowly hoisted, the emotions of the moment became tangible. Al Suwaidi described the powerful mix of pride, awe, and hope: “I felt chills… some men wept.” The simple act of the flag ascending symbolized far more than a piece of fabric; it represented the official birth of a nation, the fulfillment of a long-held vision, and the dawn of the United Arab Emirates. In that moment, the aspirations of leaders, citizens, and generations to come were woven together, marking a turning point in history that would set the course for the country’s remarkable journey of unity, development, and global recognition.
For Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the memory of December 2, 1971, extends far beyond the political significance of the founding of the United Arab Emirates. While the day marked the formal unification of the emirates under a single flag, what remains most vivid for Al Suwaidi is the remarkable humanity and leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation’s founding father. Even amid the immense historical weight of the day, Sheikh Zayed demonstrated a depth of personal warmth and a sense of respect for everyone around him—leaders, soldiers, and workers alike. Al Suwaidi recalls that Sheikh Zayed’s demeanor was never distant or formal; he treated every individual he encountered with dignity and attention, recognizing the essential contributions of every person, no matter their rank or role.
“Sheikh Zayed believed that the true strength of a nation comes from the bonds forged between people, from cooperation, kindness, and shared purpose,” Al Suwaidi reflected. “It was not only about agreements or ceremonies; it was about hearts coming together, and he lived that belief every single day.” This commitment to human dignity and inclusivity was evident in every aspect of his leadership. He had an extraordinary ability to combine vision with empathy, making those around him feel valued and part of something greater than themselves.
For Al Suwaidi, standing beside Sheikh Zayed as the flag of the UAE was raised for the first time offered a deeply personal insight into the essence of his leadership. He saw firsthand that the founding of a nation was not only about policies, decrees, or international recognition—it was about instilling confidence, hope, and pride in the hearts of its people.
More than five decades later, the memory remains as vivid and emotionally charged as it was in 1971. Every time Khalifa Al Suwaidi sees the UAE flag flying, he is instantly transported back to that historic morning. “When I see the flag, I remember standing right behind Sheikh Zayed as he lifted it into the air for the very first time,” he said. “I feel the pride of that moment, the hope we all shared, and the certainty that our nation’s future had begun. It was a feeling that combined awe, responsibility, and optimism for what lay ahead.” That singular experience left a lasting impression, one that continues to resonate not only as a historical memory but as a living testament to the values Sheikh Zayed instilled in the country from its very inception.
For Al Suwaidi, the first raising of the UAE flag is far more than a symbolic ceremony or a historical marker. It represents the beginning of a journey shaped by vision, determination, and above all, the humanity of a leader who understood the importance of connecting with people on a personal level. Sheikh Zayed’s approach to leadership combined strategic foresight with compassion, creating a foundation for unity and trust that continues to underpin the UAE’s social and political fabric today. Al Suwaidi often reflects on how that single act—the raising of a flag—encapsulated the broader mission of the Founding Father: to establish not merely a country, but a nation built on shared values, mutual respect, and the collective commitment of its people.
The experience also left an enduring lesson for Al Suwaidi about the essence of leadership. Witnessing Sheikh Zayed’s interaction with those around him, he realized that true leaders inspire through actions as much as words. It is one thing to make policies or agreements; it is another to ensure that those policies resonate with people and foster a sense of belonging. Sheikh Zayed’s leadership was grounded in the belief that unity is cultivated through trust, compassion, and a shared vision for the future. By treating everyone with respect and valuing each contribution, he created a model of governance that combined strength with empathy, decisiveness with inclusiveness.
Even now, the emotions of that historic morning are palpable for Al Suwaidi. Standing behind Sheikh Zayed, watching the flag ascend, he felt a mixture of pride, reverence, and anticipation. The simple act of a flag rising on a pole carried profound meaning—it symbolized the realization of a dream nurtured by generations, the unification of diverse emirates, and the birth of a nation destined for extraordinary achievements. That moment has continued to serve as a source of inspiration for Al Suwaidi, reminding him not only of the past but also of the values that should guide the present and the future.
Ultimately, for Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the memory of standing with Sheikh Zayed is not just a recollection; it is a living, breathing testament to the vision, humanity, and foresight of the UAE’s Founding Father. It is a reminder of the principles that laid the groundwork for a nation—unity, kindness, cooperation, and shared purpose—and of the extraordinary journey that began with that first ceremonial raising of the flag. To this day, every glance at the UAE flag rekindles the emotions of that historic day, reinforcing the enduring legacy of leadership grounded in compassion and the indelible impact of Sheikh Zayed’s vision on the nation and its people.
