Castle of St Antoine, built about 1370 as part of the fortifications of Paris. It was made a state prison by Cardinal Richelieu and was stormed by the mob that set the French Revolution in motion on 14 July 1789. Only seven prisoners were found in the castle when it was stormed; the governor and most of the garrison were killed, and the Bastille was razed.
Green is a symbol of fertility. White represents neutrality. Black reflects the Emirates' oil wealth. Red recalls the former flags of the Kharijite Muslims. Effective date: 2 December 1971.