Witness to History: Khalifa Al Suwaidi Recalls the Morning the UAE Flag Was Raised for the First Time
More than five decades after the birth of the United Arab Emirates, memories of that historic day continue to echo through the stories of those who stood closest to the nation’s Founding Father. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, one of the early Emirati officials who accompanied the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has shared a vivid and emotional recollection of December 2, 1971 – the morning the UAE flag rose for the very first time at Union House.
Speaking in an interview marking the anniversary, Al Suwaidi described the moment as “the beginning of the future” – a turning point not only for the federating emirates but for generations yet to come.
A Journey That Marked the Birth of a Nation
Al Suwaidi recalls setting out from Abu Dhabi in the early hours of the morning alongside Sheikh Zayed. The journey toward Dubai – long before modern highways and towering skylines – was quiet, purposeful, and filled with a sense of destiny.
According to his recollection, Sheikh Zayed carried a calm confidence throughout the ride. Despite the weight of responsibility he bore, his demeanor remained rooted in optimism and a deep belief in the people of the soon-to-be united nation.
A Stop in the Sands of Jebel Ali
One of the most powerful memories Al Suwaidi shared took place in the open desert of Jebel Ali. With nothing but dunes stretching in every direction, Sheikh Zayed stopped the convoy and stepped out into the silent landscape.
There, he spoke about the principles upon which the Union would be built:
Unity before ambition
Love before power
Building with hearts before building with hands
His message – expressed in simple but profound words -shaped the ethos of the country that was hours from being born. Al Suwaidi described the moment as “a vision laid into the sand,” one that would guide the UAE’s remarkable transformation in the decades to come.
Union House: The Moment the Flag Rose
When the delegation reached Union House in Dubai, a powerful stillness filled the air. Leaders from the emirates gathered to officially sign the founding documents that formed the United Arab Emirates.
At the culmination of the ceremony, Sheikh Zayed stepped forward and raised the UAE flag for the first time.
Al Suwaidi recalls complete silence – a silence soon broken by emotion.
“Some men wept,” he said. “We knew the future had begun.”
The sight of the flag symbolized unity, hope, and a shared destiny. It marked the end of years of negotiations and the beginning of a bold chapter in the region’s history.
A Memory That Lives On More Than 50 Years Later
Even today, every time the UAE flag rises above buildings, schools, homes, and celebrations, Al Suwaidi says he feels the same pride he felt on that historic morning.
For him – and for many who witnessed the birth of the Union – the flag is not just a national symbol.
It is a reminder of:
Sheikh Zayed’s vision,
the unity of the emirates,
the sacrifices of early leaders, and
the spirit that transformed a young federation into a global nation.
As the UAE continues its path of development, innovation, and leadership, the memory of that moment at Union House remains a guiding light – a testament to how far the nation has come, and how strong its foundation truly is.
