Planning Staff Wear for Flag Day and National Day

To plan staff wear for UAE Flag Day in early November and National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on 2 December, decide the items and design early, collect sizes by department, and place your order as soon as possible, because demand for national-colour T-shirts, caps, scarves and flags rises sharply from late October. A simple design in the flag colours with your logo, printed on comfortable T-shirts or polos and packed by department, is the most practical choice for most companies and schools.

For many organisations in the UAE, these two occasions are the high points of the year for celebrating together. Matching staff wear turns a team photo, a school assembly or a community event into something people remember. This guide covers the dates, what to order, design dos and don'ts, sizing and timing.

Key dates to plan around

• Flag Day: early November, when organisations across the country raise the flag together. Check the official announcement each year for the exact date and time.
• National Day (Eid Al Etihad): 2 December, with the official public holiday dates announced each year.

Many companies hold their celebration on the last working day before the National Day holiday, and schools often celebrate on a school day before the break. Confirm your own celebration date first, then plan backwards from it.

What to order

Our National Day and Flag Day wear covers T-shirts, polos, caps, scarves and children's sizes, and our UAE flags range covers hand-held, table, car and hoisting flags.

Design dos and don'ts

The national colours are red, green, white and black. Most designs combine these colours with your logo, a celebration message, or your school crest.

Do:

• Keep the design simple and readable from a distance, especially for group photos
• Use the flag colours accurately
• Combine your logo with the national colours in a balanced way
• Consider a design without the year, so spare stock can be used again

Don't:

• Distort the flag, change its colours or proportions, or print text across it
• Place the flag where it could appear disrespectful, such as on the lower back
• Overcrowd the design with too many elements

We check artwork before printing to make sure the flag is shown correctly and respectfully. If you are unsure, refer to the official guidance on displaying the UAE flag.

Choosing the print method

• Screen printing: bright, durable colours and the most economical option for larger quantities of the same design with a limited number of colours
• DTF printing: full-colour designs, gradients and detail, well suited to smaller runs
• Embroidery: a smart option for polos and caps, especially for customer-facing staff

See our T-shirt printing service for more on each method and how to prepare artwork.

Choosing the garment and its colour

White T-shirts are a popular base because the red, green and black of the flag stand out clearly on them, and they photograph well in groups. Coloured T-shirts in one of the flag colours also work, especially when different departments wear different colours and stand together for a photo that forms the flag. For comfort at outdoor events, choose breathable cotton or a soft cotton-rich blend; for sports days and active events, a moisture-wicking polyester T-shirt stays cooler and dries faster. Check that the garment colour suits the print method you plan to use, since printing on dark garments may need an extra layer of ink.

For schools and nurseries

Schools usually order in the largest volumes and across the widest size range. A few practical points help:

• Collect sizes by class, including children's sizes for younger year groups
• Choose soft, comfortable fabrics for young children
• Ask for packing and labelling by class, so teachers can hand out shirts quickly
• Add caps and hand-held flags for outdoor assemblies and parades
• Tell parents early if students will wear the T-shirt instead of their usual uniform

Sizing and quantities

Celebration T-shirts are usually worn for one day, but a poor fit still shows in every photo. Collect sizes by department or class rather than guessing:

1. Ask each department head or class teacher for a size list.
2. Include children's sizes for schools and nurseries.
3. Add a small buffer for late joiners, visitors and size changes.
4. Ask for packing by department or class, so distribution on the day is quick.

A simple planning sequence

1. Confirm your celebration date and the number of people taking part.
2. Choose the items and agree the design with your logo or message.
3. Approve the proof showing artwork, colours, size and placement.
4. Send final quantities by size and the delivery address.
5. Receive the order packed by department or class, ahead of the day.

Your supplier will confirm the delivery date with the quotation. The earlier you send your brief, the wider your choice of items, colours and sizes.

If you are ordering late

If your celebration is close, keep choices simple: one item, one or two colours, a straightforward design and a size list that is ready to send. Approve proofs quickly, and consider DTF printing for smaller quantities. Talk to your supplier as soon as possible about what can be delivered by your date.

Ideas that work well

• A company-wide photo on the celebration day, with everyone in matching T-shirts and caps
• Caps and hand-held flags for outdoor parades and school assemblies
• Polos with an embroidered logo for front-desk and customer-facing teams
• Table flags on reception desks throughout the season

Quick answers

Planning your celebration? Send us the items, quantities by size and your logo or message, and we will send a proof and quotation. Teams in Ras Al Khaimah can also visit our showroom on Al Manama – Ras Al Khaimah Road to see samples.