Significance

Commemoration Day recognises the sacrifices of Emirati martyrs who have laid down their lives in the UAE and abroad in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service. It falls on December 30, but this year it is being observed on November 29. In 2015, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan decreed that Commemoration Day would be marked on November 30.

How is it observed?

At 8am today the UAE flag will be lowered at government and private organisations till 11am. It will be followed by a minute’s silence and supplication from 11.30am to 11.31am. After the minute’s silence the UAE flag will be raised again while the national anthem is played.