The Dubai Customs staff celebrated the “Flag Day” on the 6th of November 2013, in response to the directives of the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Federal headquarters across the country raised the flag of the UAE to mark the anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's accession as President of the UAE.
The celebration began at 11:30 am, as all employees- accompanied by the Department’s officials- were adorned by the flags of the UAE which were distributed to them, in front of the headquarters of Dubai Customs at Al Mina road. The children of Dubai Customs Childcare Center took part in the event, as the Department is dedicated to instilling the love of the homeland and the sense of national belonging in their hearts.
The celebration included a flag drill performed by the customs inspectors, and then the flag of the United Arab Emirates was raised to the top of its pole as all attendants cheerfully waved their flags.
The national anthem was played and the inspectors, along with the staff of Dubai Customs, performed the Loyalty Oath to the President of the UAE.
A number of inspectors performed a parade accompanied by military music before the attendants, as crowds lined up on the main street to watch the event, which was admired by the residents of the buildings neighboring Dubai Customs.
Dubai Customs officials and staff were keen to take part in the Flag Day event, which reinforces national unity and the collaboration between citizens and expatriates.
The campaign also coincides with the day His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became President of the UAE.
The initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum reflects how the government and the people of the UAE are united and it represents a sincere expression of love and loyalty to the President and the United Arab Emirates. The Flag Day initiative is a genuine testimony of the gratitude to the country and its early founders, who contributed to the unity of the people of the UAE 42 years ago.
Furthermore, Flag Day kindles people’s appreciation and sense of belonging to the homeland which they all love.
A celebratory atmosphere prevailed at customs centers throughout Dubai, as the flag of the UAE was raised in many of these centers, with the participation of the inspectors and staff of Dubai Customs.
They expressed their pleasure about this national campaign, along with their desire that all expatriates and citizens of the UAE lead a comfortable, stable, happy, and peaceful life, and that God continues with His blessings.