Landmark buildings across the UAE lit up in the country's colours on Tuesday in honour of Flag Day. In Abu Dhabi, the Adnoc headquarters, Capital Gate, W Hotel on Yas Island, The Galleria mall and Khalifa University were among the buildings to display the country's flag. Some buildings also displayed the slogan "raise it high, raise it proud". In Dubai, the colours of the UAE flag illuminated the city centre as Burj Khalifa displayed the banner's red, black, white and green. Flag Day was introduced in 2013 and it commemorates the accession of Sheikh Khalifa as President of the UAE in 2004. Across the country, all activity ceased at 11am to raise the flag and hear the national anthem played to mark the historic day. The flag holds a special place in Emirati culture and is a symbol of the country’s unity. The colours represent courage, honesty, love and hope. The flag was designed by Abdullah Al Maainah in 1971 after he saw an advertisement for a flag-designing competition in <em>Al Ittihad</em> newspaper.
