State Flag of the United Arab Emirates (1971)

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven sheikdoms or emirates. It consists of Abu Dhabi (capital of UAE), Dubai, Al Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Al Fujairah.

Until the mid-19th century, the area that now forms the modern day United Arab Emirates was known as the Pirate Coast, after the pirates that frequented the area. 

Britain stopped the piracy and signed a series of truces with the local rulers and the region became known as the Trucial States or Trucial Oman.

When Britain withdrew from the area in 1970, it led to the union of some of the small sheikdoms. 

The union of sheikdoms became the United Arab Emirates on the 2nd of December 1971.On the same day the current national flag was adopted.

The Symbolic Meaning

The United Arab Emirates' flag is believed based on the Arab Revolt Flag, created in 1916 and flown by Arab nationalists during their liberation struggle against Ottoman (Turkish) rule.

Red, white, black and green are called the pan-Arab colours and have been historically linked to the Arab people and Islamic faith for centuries. They symbolise Arab unity and independence and can be seen in the flags of many countries in the region.