History of the Saudi Arabia Flag: 1937 Design, 1973 Law & Flag Day
Saudi Arabia’s modern flag developed from earlier green banners bearing the Shahada. The present sword-beneath-text arrangement dates to 1937 and was later regulated by law.
Early Saudi banners
Saudi historical sources describe early state banners as green silk flags bearing the Shahada in white.
King Abdulaziz and the sword
During the unification period, sword imagery was added to the flag. Earlier versions included two crossed swords before the design evolved toward a single sword.
March 11, 1937
King Abdulaziz approved the arrangement placing a single sword beneath the Shahada on March 11, 1937. Saudi official sources identify this as the basis of the design still used today.
1973 flag bylaw
A national flag bylaw issued in 1973 formalized the flag’s proportions, green field, white Shahada and sword.
Why the flag cannot be lowered
Because it bears the Islamic declaration of faith, the flag receives special treatment and is not lowered to half-mast or allowed to touch the ground or water.
2023: Saudi Flag Day established
Saudi Arabia created an annual Flag Day on March 11, commemorating the date on which the modern arrangement was approved in 1937.
What does the sword represent?
Saudi official sources link the sword with justice, security, dignity, strength and the country’s unification.
Why both 1937 and 1973 matter
1937 marks the settlement of the modern visual arrangement; 1973 marks the detailed legal regulation that standardized it.
