"Defenders of the Flag" campaign at Sharjah Central Post Office generates good response

October 25, 2015: The ‘Defenders of the Flag’ campaign launched by Watani Al Emarat Foundation has generated good response at the Sharjah Central Post Office since it began on September 27, with several visitors exchanging old or damaged flags at the booth set up inside the post office.

Sharjah post offices are supporting the campaign in partnership with Watani by distributing flags and booklets. EPG staff is providing information about the campaign to customers and also collect used and discarded flags from the public and give them new ones.

Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Post Group, Mr. Ibrahim Bin Karam, said: “Emirates Post Group is pleased to support the ‘Defenders of the Flag’ campaign for the second consecutive year through special Watani booths set up at all main post offices. We fully endorse Watani’s efforts to promote a culture of respect for the UAE flag as a national symbol, and ensure that government and citizens and residents understand the right ways of handling and using the flag.”

Fatima Ali Abdullah, an Emirati woman who collected two new flags, said: “It is a wonderful campaign that will teach us to honour and respect the flag. I took two new flags from the post office: one for my house and a big one for my school. I think this is a great idea and it will boost my loyalty to my motherland.”

The Director of Sharjah Central Post Office said there was great enthusiasm among both Emiratis and expatriates to ask questions about the campaign and find out how they could exchange old flags. The Director also revealed that the schools in the vicinity have been contacted to bring students to learn about the “Defenders of the Flag” campaign, and the response has been good.

The Defenders of the Flag campaign is one of the initiatives approved by Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to spread respect for the national flag.

The campaign also seeks to enlighten the public on the need to protect the sanctity of the flag by ensuring that the flags used are in good and neat condition.

Toward this end, EPG volunteers are educating the community on how to dispose of worn-out or damaged flags at different post offices and give away new ones. The nation-wide campaign will continue until 31st October.