Mashable: When you think of national flags, you might imagine seasoned historians, heraldry experts, or professional designers creating the symbols that represent entire nations. But in the case of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the iconic flag that flies over skyscrapers, desert forts, and world-famous landmarks was not the product of a design firm or a government committee—it was created by a teenager.

Yes, you read that right. The UAE’s bold, elegant flag, with its distinctive red vertical stripe and horizontal green, white, and black bands, was the work of a 19-year-old named Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah.

In 1971, as the seven emirates prepared to unite into a single federation, the country held a nationwide competition to design the new national flag. The winning design would become a symbol of a new era—one of unity, strength, and independence. More than 1,000 entries were submitted, each hoping to capture the essence of a soon-to-be sovereign nation. Among them was Abdullah, a young man with a passion for art, history, and design.

He was just out of high school and had seen the competition advertisement in a newspaper. Inspired, he went to work. Using a simple set of colored pencils and a ruler, he crafted a design that drew on the pan-Arab colors—red, green, white, and black—each with deep historical and cultural significance. These colors had been used in various Arab flags over the centuries and symbolized values such as unity, peace, courage, and strength.

His design impressed the selection committee with its clarity, symbolism, and balance. Out of more than a thousand hopeful entries, Abdullah’s flag was chosen by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, to represent the newly formed nation.

The flag was first raised on December 2, 1971, when the UAE was officially established. Since then, it has become a powerful symbol of Emirati identity, pride, and unity. Every year on Flag Day, and especially during National Day celebrations, the UAE flag is displayed across the country—draped on buildings, waving from car windows, and projected on the Burj Khalifa.

For Abdullah Al Maainah, the honor was only the beginning. His life went on to mirror the ambition and development of the nation he helped symbolize. He later served as a diplomat, holding ambassadorial roles in several countries, including Chile and Germany. Despite his many accomplishments, he remains most widely known for the contribution he made as a teenager—an enduring testament to the power of youthful creativity and civic engagement.

The UAE's flag is not just a symbol of political union—it’s a celebration of vision, heritage, and the potential of its citizens, no matter their age. Abdullah’s story continues to inspire generations of young Emiratis to believe in their voice and to contribute meaningfully to their country’s future.

The next time you see the UAE flag fluttering in the desert wind or lighting up the Dubai skyline, remember that its origin traces back to a teenager with colored pencils and a dream. It’s not just a flag—it’s a story of youth, ambition, and national pride.