Saudi Arabia Flag: Meaning, Colors, History & Facts
Saudi Arabia’s national flag is green with the Islamic declaration of faith in white and a white sword beneath it. Its sacred text gives the flag unusually strict rules of handling and display.
What does the Saudi Arabia flag look like?
The flag has a green field with the Shahada written in white Thuluth script and a white horizontal sword beneath the inscription.
What does the Shahada mean?
The inscription is Islam’s declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
What does the sword mean?
Saudi official sources associate the sword with strength, dignity, justice, security and national unification.
Why is the flag never lowered to half-mast?
Because the flag carries sacred religious text, it receives special protection. Saudi government sources state that it is not lowered to half-mast and must not touch the ground or water.
Explore the Shahada, sword and flag rules →
What is the flag ratio?
The 1973 flag bylaw defines a 2:3 proportion, with the width equal to two-thirds of the length.
When was the modern design established?
King Abdulaziz approved the modern arrangement with the sword beneath the Shahada on March 11, 1937. Detailed legal rules were issued in 1973.
What is Saudi Flag Day?
March 11 is Saudi Flag Day, commemorating the 1937 approval of the current arrangement.
Read the full Saudi flag history →
Saudi Arabia flag facts
| Field | Green |
|---|---|
| Text | Shahada |
| Other symbol | White sword |
| Ratio | 2:3 |
| Current arrangement | 1937 |
| Flag bylaw | 1973 |
How can you identify Saudi Arabia’s flag?
The combination of a green field, white Arabic script and a single white sword is unique among national flags. The sword sits directly beneath the Shahada and runs horizontally across the lower part of the inscription.
Why is the flag printed differently on each side?
A normal flag would show text reversed on the back. Because the Shahada must remain readable and respectful, Saudi flags are manufactured so the inscription and sword appear correctly oriented on both sides.
Saudi Arabia flag FAQ
Can the Saudi flag be flown at half-mast?
No. Official rules prohibit it because the flag carries sacred text.
What does the sword represent?
Strength, justice, security, dignity and national unification.
When is Saudi Flag Day?
March 11.
