Saudi Arabia is observing its Flag Day, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. It is a celebration of the Kingdom’s national identity and unity.
This national occasion commemorates the approval of the current Saudi flag design by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud on March 11, 1937. The flag of Saudi Arabia has become a symbol of dignity, unity and national pride.
Saudi Flag Day
In recognition of the Saudi flag significance, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued a royal decree in 2023 designating March 11 of each year as the National Flag Day. Thus, it has become a national occasion to celebrate the Saudi flag and honor the values it represents.
On this day, the Saudi flag adorns all the Kingdom’s streets and buildings. Schools and universities across Saudi Arabia celebrate the day, instilling national pride, solidarity and loyalty in the younger generations.
Origins of the Saudi Flag
The origins of the current Saudi flag go back to the founding of the First Saudi State and went through some modifications until it took the current design. On February 22, 1727, Imam Muhammed bin Saud established the First Saudi State, with Diriyah as its capital and Quran and Sunnah as its constitution.
Under the rule of Imam Muhammed bin Saud, the First Saudi State adopted a square green banner made of silk, with a white vertical stripe at the hoist. The flag bore a white inscription of Islamic Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith: There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) in the middle.
During the Second Saudi State, under the rule of Imam Turki bin Abdullah, the same flag continued to represent the Saudi State until the beginning of the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud in 1902.
Changes in Flag Design
King Abdulaziz added two crossed vertical swords above the Shahada, with the overall design unchanged.
Later on, these swords changed to one horizontal sword above the Shahada.
Then, in 1925, the Saudi flag got a new design. It has become rectangular in shape, with the Shahada written in Thuluth script in the middle and one sword beneath it.
On March 11, 1937, King Abdulaziz adopted this design as the national flag of Saudi Arabia. This is the flag of present-day Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Flag Symbolism
The Saudi flag carries a powerful national significance, instilling pride, solidarity and loyalty in the Saudi people. It is a testament to the Kingdom’s glorious history and national identity.
Throughout the centuries, green has been the dominant color of the flag. It symbolizes prosperity and growth, reflecting the Kingdom’s natural wealth and fertility. The Shahada and the sword carry white color, hence indicating peace and purity.
The inscription of Shahada stresses Saudi Arabia’s Islamic identity, underscoring the message of peace and Islam upon which the Kingdom was founded. Meanwhile, the sword symbolizes strength, dignity, justice and security. Swords carry a deep significance in the Arab heritage, symbolizing nobility and chivalry.
The Saudi flag is highly respected and cherished among Saudis and all over the Islamic world. Owing to its unique characteristics, the Saudi flag is treated with utmost respect; never draped over deceased leaders, lowered to half-mast during mourning, or used commercially.
