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Saudi ArabiaHeritage

by Iffat Nawaz

Unfurling the Pride: Things To Know About the Saudi Arabian Flag

10 Mar 2025

When you see a flash of green emerald against a desert sky, a bold stroke of white script, and a gleaming sword, this is the KSA flag. More than just cloth and colour, the Saudi Arabian flag is a living testament to a nation's soul, a visual story etched in history, faith and power.
From ancient battlefields to modern-day summits, flags have always spoken volumes, and the Saudi flag is no exception. It is a symbol that intertwines the legacy of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the unwavering principles of Islamic law, and the economic might of a Middle Eastern giant.
Many questions arise: What secrets lie within this iconic emblem? What tales do its green canvas and sharp sword whisper? The Sandy Times will tell you all this, let's read more.
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The evolving emblem: A journey through KSA flag history

From the simple green banner of the First Saudi State to the iconic flag we recognise today, the Saudi National Flag has undergone a fascinating evolution. Known initially as al-Raiah, its journey reflects the nation's transformation, which is marked by key historical moments and visionary leadership.
The flag's story begins in the mid-18th century with Imam Mohammed Bin Saud, featuring a green silk and wool banner inscribed with the Shahada.
The Second Saudi State was established by Imam Turki Bin Abdullah, who embraced the same flag to inspire unity and restore the nation.
In his quest to unify the regions, King Abdulaziz initially employed a green flag with a white strip and the Shahada, later adding crossed swords. The design evolved, with a single horizontal sword positioned above the Shahada, and later, the phrase "Victory from Allah and conquest soon" was added.
Key milestones include King Abdulaziz's 1926 instruction to design a new flag and subsequent Shura Council resolutions in 1937 that standardised dimensions and allocated flags for various purposes.
The 1952 official sanctioning of all flag forms and measures, followed by the 1973 Law of the National Flag and its subsequent regulations, solidified its legal framework. The 1984 Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation, established specific flag sizes.
In 2023, a royal decree established March 11 as National Flag Day, honouring the flag's adoption in 1937. The Saudi government has used the current design since March 15, 1973.
The flag's design has evolved over time, with various resolutions and royal orders shaping its current form. This progression highlights changes in design and the increasing formalisation and significance of the Saudi National Flag as a symbol of national identity.
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Photo: Yasser Zareaa

Decoding the specifications of KSA flag

The Saudi Arabian flag, a powerful emblem of the Kingdom, is meticulously designed with specific details that carry deep symbolic meaning. Understanding these specifications provides insight into the flag's significance.
The Saudi flag is rectangular, with a width-to-length ratio of 2:3. This precise proportion is a crucial element of its official design. The background is a solid, vibrant green, extending from the flagpole to the flag's outer edge.
The flag features two prominent white elements: the Shahada and a sword.
The Shahada
The Islamic creed (Arabic: لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله), "There is no deity but Allah, Muhammad (P b u h) is the Messenger of Allah" is written in white Arabic Thuluth script and positioned in the centre of the flag within an imaginary rectangle.
The Sword
A white, unsheathed sword is placed horizontally beneath the Shahada, parallel to it. The sword's handle points downwards, towards the lower edge of the flag, and specifically to the right. The sword always points to the left.
These precise specifications, outlined in the Law of the Flag, ensure that the Saudi flag maintains its integrity and symbolic power as a representation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Symbolic significance

  • Green represents Islam, growth, and prosperity.
  • White symbolises purity and peace.
  • The Shahada reinforces the Kingdom's Islamic foundation.
  • The sword represents justice, strength, and security.
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Photo: Andrew Fackler

Saudi Flag: Protocol, etiquette, and usage

Due to its deep religious and national significance, the Saudi flag is treated with the utmost reverence and governed by strict protocols and etiquette. Here is a breakdown:
  • The Shahada on the flag is of immense religious importance, symbolising Islam and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Due to the sacred nature of the Shahada, the Saudi flag is never flown at half-mast, even during periods of mourning.
  • The flag must always be displayed horizontally to ensure the Shahada is read correctly from both sides. It is never displayed vertically.
  • The flag should not be used for commercial purposes, such as clothing, merchandise, or advertisements, to prevent desecration.
  • The law prohibits using the national flag as a trademark, for advertisement, or any other prohibited usage.
  • The flag must be handled respectfully, including hoisting it briskly and lowering it ceremoniously.
  • The flag should never be flown in a frayed or dirty state.
  • The flag must always be displayed in a manner so that the Shahada is read correctly from both sides. It is designed to be read correctly from right to left on both sides.
  • The flag is meticulously folded so that the Shahada is prominently displayed on the top, while the sword rests beneath it.
  • When a flag becomes old, torn, or in such bad condition that it is no longer usable, the entity using it is responsible for destroying it.
The Saudi Arabian flag is rich in symbolism and history. Due to the sacred nature of the Shahada, it is treated with great respect. The flag has variations, including the Royal Standard, which features the national emblem.
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