As Flag Day draws near on November 3, UAE families are bustling to shopping centres and souqs to stock up on patriotic accessories. Among these families is the Al Hammadi family, who have made it a tradition to enthusiastically prepare for the festivities. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Umm Mohammed Al Hammadi, an Emirati mother of seven, was browsing through a collection of hair ornaments—sewn with threads of the UAE flag's colours—for her three daughters. "This is the Emirati month," she told Khaleej Times. "From Flag Day until National Day, we see the streets and houses adorned with flags and the colours of the flag. This is when we know that the month of celebrations is approaching. Whether young or old, we love this day," she added.
Stores in Dubai are vibrant with national colours. Flags, children's clothing, dresses, T-shirts, hats, and scarves in the flag's hues line the shelves. The entrance is festooned with UAE flags. Shoppers can find an array of items, including toys decorated with the national flag and military symbols, alongside scarves featuring images of the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the UAE President. Embroidered phrases like 'May your glory last, O homeland' resonate with visitors.
The centre is bustling with decorations, gifts, and distributions as citizens prepare for the day by exchanging gifts and celebrating with loved ones. Sisters Widema and Hessa Mohamed are also part of the shopping frenzy, excitedly planning to decorate their home for Flag Day. This year, they aim to replace the flag at their house with a new one, marking the occasion with a family gathering. The sisters envision a festive atmosphere filled with unity and pride.
"We want our home to reflect the joy and pride of this day," Widema explained as they browse through the colourful decorations. "We love the moments when you see everyone on their rooftop replacing the flags or children on the streets wearing the scarves and carrying the flags."
Major retailers across the emirates are ramping up their efforts to offer a wide range of patriotic products. This annual celebration, symbolising the unity and pride of the nation, has prompted shops to enhance their inventory to meet the growing demand from customers. This year, shoppers can expect a vibrant selection of items at popular stores in Sharjah and Dubai. Flags, t-shirts, caps, and scarves adorned with the national colours, decorative banners, wall art, and accessories from pins to keychains are available for use in schools, workplaces, or homes.
Retailers are taking no chances this year, significantly increasing their stock levels. Abdullah Abdul Rahim Al Zarouni, owner of Emirates markets in Sharjah, shared, "As the occasion of Flag Day and National Day celebrations approaches, we are working hard in the markets of the UAE to meet customer demands for these great events." He added, "We continuously strive to diversify our products and explore new offerings to provide to customers during these occasions, while also increasing the quantity each time so that customers find everything they need to celebrate these noble occasions." This strategic move comes as businesses anticipate a surge in sales as Flag Day draws near. Another shop in Sharjah, Aswaq Al Seyouh Gifts, has dedicated a whole corner in the entrance of the store for these products, and there is still a large quantity being arranged.
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