Saudi Arabia Celebrates Flag Day Tuesday: A Symbol of Unity, Growth
Riyadh, March 11, 2025, SPA -- On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day, commemorating the moment when late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud approved the Saudi flag on 27 Dhul-Hijjah 1355 AH (March 11, 1937). The adopted flag, which is seen today, symbolizes unity, justice, strength, growth, and prosperity.
On this day, the value of the national flag is elevated, reflecting the history of the Saudi state since its founding in 1139 AH (1727 AD). It features the declaration of faith, the Shahada, at its center, fluttering with the message of peace and Islam upon which the nation was established. The sword drawn underneath represents strength, dignity, deep wisdom, and high status. The flag has stood witness to the unification of the Saudi state through all its phases, and for nearly three centuries, citizens have embraced the flag as a symbol of pride and dignity that is never flown at half-mast.
The national flag stands as a timeless value, embodying feelings of unity, love, and loyalty that stem from a spirit of belonging and allegiance to the leadership and the nation. It embodies the concept of the state and expresses national unity and the homeland's deep historical roots.
The history of the Saudi national flag dates back to the banner carried by the leaders of the First Saudi State, which was green and crafted with silk, tied to a wooden pole, and inscribed with the Shahada: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is Messenger of Allah."
That shape of the flag continued through the era of the First Saudi State until the reign of King Abdulaziz, when two crossed swords were added to the flag, marking a pivotal phase that led to the nation's unification.
Security and prosperity prevailed throughout the land, and the two swords were replaced by a single one positioned above the Shahada. On March 11, 1937, King Abdulaziz approved a proposal submitted by the Shura Council, leading to the placement of the sword beneath the Shahada and settling the flag into its present form after a rich history of evolution.
The Saudi Flag bylaw, issued in 1393 AH / 1973 AD, stipulates that the flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia be rectangular in shape, its width equal to two-thirds of its length, and its color is green, extending from the hoist to the end of the flag. It also stipulates that the flag features the Islamic creed, "There is no God but Allah and Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah," in the center, with a drawn sword beneath it, parallel to the text and its hilt pointing toward the lower part of the flag. The inscription and sword are in white and clearly visible on both sides. The Islamic monotheism must be written in Thuluth script and positioned so its base is in the middle of the flag's width. The sword's length should be three-quarters of the inscription of the Shahada and placed equidistant from both sides.
Each of these colors and symbols carries deep connotations. The green color symbolizes growth and prosperity, while white symbolizes peace and purity. The sword signifies justice and security, which are rooted in Arab heritage and are associated with nobility and chivalry.
Islamic monotheism affirms the oneness of Almighty Allah and adherence to His divine law (Islamic Sharia), reflecting the righteous path on which the nation was founded and has progressed through its three historical stages.
The Saudi flag is unique among the flags of the world, distinguished by special characteristics that grant it an aura of reverence and prestige. It is prohibited to wrap the flag on the bodies of deceased kings and leaders, nor is it lowered to half-mast on occasions of mourning, and it does not bow to senior guests when reviewing the guard of honor. Additionally, its use as a trademark or for promotional purposes that may undermine its dignity is strictly prohibited. The national flag is raised within the Kingdom on all government buildings and public institutions and at its diplomatic missions abroad, even during official holidays.
Believing in the profound significance of the flag as a manifestation of Saudi state, strength, sovereignty, and national unity, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, issued a Royal Decree on Sha'ban 9, 1444 AH (March 1, 2023), designating March 11 of each year as the "Flag Day."
-- SPA
