‘Sheikh Zayed didn’t know I designed the UAE flag,’ says an Emirati

Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah had multiple meetings with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s founder, but he never identified himself as the young man who created the flag.
“He never explicitly questioned me about the flag. But knowing that he was the one who selected my design gave me a great sense of pride anytime I was in front of him “said Al Maainah.
“I was honored when he raised the flag for the first time, declaring the establishment of the UAE on December 2, 1971.”
Every year on November 3, Al Maainah has traditionally looked forward to the UAE Flag Day. He once created jewelry, but he now considers the national flag to be “the most precious treasure” he has ever created.
“I do not remember the exact day I sat down and sketched the flag 49 years ago, but it was a day that put me in the history of the country,” the Emirati said.
Al Maainah is remembered in UAE history as the Emirati who, at the age of 19, witnessed his masterpiece fly in the sky in honor of his beloved country and had the finest moment of his life.
However, some people were unaware of the fact that he continued to serve the nation’s diplomatic corps for an additional 49 years following his momentous accomplishment. Additionally, it had been a habit for him to check the flag at every conference and meeting he attended. Was everything in perfect order? Was it properly raised? Was it placed correctly?
He acknowledged that his nearly five decades of service to the diplomatic corps had been an honor, but insisted that nothing could ever compare to the moment he found out that the UAE will be represented by one of his designs.