Saudi Arabia’s national flag is green with the Islamic declaration of faith, the shahada, written in white Arabic script above a white horizontal sword.

What does the Saudi flag look like?

The shahada occupies the upper central portion of the green field. Beneath it, a straight white sword points toward the hoist.

What do the symbols mean?

The shahada states the central declaration of Islamic faith and reflects the kingdom’s religious identity. The sword is associated with the unification of the country under the House of Saud and with justice and strength.

Special rules for the flag

Because it contains sacred religious text, the Saudi flag is treated with particular respect. It is not normally flown at half-mast, and official versions are produced so the inscription can be read correctly from both sides.

Saudi Arabia flag facts

• Main color: green
• Inscription: shahada
• Additional symbol: white sword
• Special protocol: not normally flown at half-mast