Mutual Flag Day celebration unites Ministry of Sport, NOC and sports federations

The Ministry of Sport and the UAE National Olympic Committee marked Flag Day with a celebration at the committee's headquarters in Dubai.

The event was graced by the presence Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Vice President of the National Olympic Committee; Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry, and attended by prominent figures from various sports councils, federations, and clubs.

The celebration also saw the participation of teams from both the ministry and the committee, and brought together more than 20 Emirati athletes who recently won 31 medals at the Asian Youth Games hosted in Bahrain, achieving first place among Arab nations and eighth across Asia in an unprecedented milestone for UAE sports.

Dr. Al Falasi ceremoniously raised the UAE flag in front of the Committee's headquarters, to mark "Flag Day", celebrating the flag as a symbol of unity and solidarity and standing side by side as citizens and leaders together.

The atmosphere at the event was profoundly patriotic, evoking a sense of pride, allegiance and belonging among attendees and representing their firm loyalty to the nation and its wise leadership.

Dr. Al Falasi emphasised that Flag Day represents a national occasion that embodies the spirit of the Union and unites the hearts of Emirati citizens around the symbol of their nation. He added that this year's celebration carries a special significance due to the presence of the Emirati heroes who raised the nation's flag high on Asian sporting stages, achieving a historic accomplishment that further enhances the profile of Emirati sports.

He stated: "Flag Day is a day of celebration, both of loyalty to our nation and its leadership, and of the success that the UAE has realised under its ambitious vision. Today, as we honour the sporting heroes of the UAE who have achieved extraordinary results and raised the nation's flag in Bahrain, we cement the profound meaning of belonging. This day reaffirms that every sporting triumph writes a new chapter in our nation's distinguished legacy, and that sports will remain a bridge that connects the Emirati people, fostering love, unity and our shared ambition to reach the highest ranks."

The national celebration concluded with a symbolic group photo of Dr. Al Falasi with the participating UAE champions, capturing the essence of unity as the national flag stood tall alongside the achievements of its sons and daughters, who have raised the country's flag high on international sporting stages.