Why the Saudi National Flag Is Unlike Any Other in the World

The Saudi National Flag is instantly recognizable. It has a deep green color with white Arabic calligraphy above a white sword. But the most significant thing is its symbolism. You should know that the Saudi flag is important in legal, cultural, and religious ways. It is surely not like any other flag in the world. Why so? Well, let’s talk in detail about what makes the flag of Saudi Arabia unique. Let’s go.

What Does the Saudi National Flag Look Like?

The Saudi flag features a green field symbolizing Islam. Then, it has white shahada written in elegant Arabic script above a white horizontal sword pointing left. The design appears correctly on both sides. This reflects the core values of the KSA – reverence, justice, and unity.

Why is the Saudi Flag Unlike Any Other Flag in the World?

A flag represents its country and KSA’s flag represents it in the most magnificent way. It carries Islamic and historic symbolism. Besides, its design is like no other flags. Here are some features that make it unique.

• Shahada on the Saudi National Flag

The white calligraphy on the flag says, “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W)” Because this is a sacred inscription, the flag becomes even more important for Muslims. Most national flags show symbols, colors, or secular phrases. But Saudi Arabia’s flag carries and elevates the core Islamic statement.

You should know that the shahada is the reason that this flag is always kept high above. It is not at all allowed for a half-mast display. After all, lowering a flag with sacred text is totally disrespectful. 

• Two-sided manufacturing

The design of the Saudi Arabia flag appears on both sides. And because Arabic reads right-to-left, both sides are designed separately. The manufacturing is done with different obverse and reverse faces. This makes the script read correctly both ways. Besides, the sword points correctly relative to the script. You should know that two-sided manufacturing is quite uncommon for any national flag. So, this is one of the reasons why the Saudi Flag is one-of-a-kind.

• The sword on Saudi Flag

There is a white sword below the shahada. Its tip points to the left side toward the flagpole. Moreover, it represents justice and strength. The sword was also added to honor the Al Saud family. Other than this, it showcases the battles that led to the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• Legal protections and etiquette of Saudi Flag

Saudi Arabia has clear rules about how to use the flag. You can check the Saudi Arabia Flag Law 1973 for detailed guidance. The flag cannot be lowered to half-mast. It must always be treated with great respect in official, public, or online places. It carries holy words, so its misuse will be taken seriously. If you want to use the flag on clothes, products, or artwork, always check official guidelines first. Some of these uses are seen as disrespectful.

The History of the Saudi National Flag

The story of the Saudi flag goes back hundreds of years. In the Arabian Peninsula, green banners with the shahada were used by Muslim leaders and tribes. This way, they used to show their belief in Islam. These flags symbolized both faith and leadership. King Abdulaziz Al Saud adopted a similar green flag with shahada and added a white sword beneath it. He did it when he began uniting the regions of Arabia in the early 1900s. During the 1920s and 1930s, the design went through a few changes. Sometimes, the sword pointed the other way, or the script looked different. 

Finally, on March 15, 1973, the modern Saudi flag was formally adopted. The green background, white shahada, and single sword became the official national symbol. Since then, this design has remained the same. Our flag also represents the history of Saudi Arabia. Here is a comprehensive timeline of how it evolved into the modern Saudi Flag.

When is Saudi Flag Day & Why is it Celebrated?

Saudi Flag Day is celebrated on March 11 each year. It honors the day in 1937 when the now used version of the Saudi flag became official. On this day, King Abdulaziz approved the flag design bearing the sacred shahāda and white sword. The day celebrates national pride, unity, and respect for the flag.

What is the Royal Saudi Flag?

The Royal Saudi Flag is a special version of the national flag. Only the King of Saudi Arabia uses it. It shares the same green background, white shahada and white sword as the national flag. But it also includes the Saudi national emblem. It is a symbol consisting of two crossed swords beneath a palm tree.

This emblem represents justice, strength, prosperity, and growth under the King’s leadership. The Royal Flag is used during royal ceremonies. It is also used on official vehicles and at palaces or royal events. Unlike the regular national flag, the Royal Flag is reserved exclusively for the monarch. No citizen or government official can use it. Its design and use are carefully protected by law.

What is the Saudi Flag Law?

There are certain rules that regulate the design, use, and display of the Saudi National Flag. They fall under the Saudi Flag Law 1973. These rules must be strictly followed. It forbids lowering the flag to half-mast. Besides, it also prohibits misusing it on items, or altering its design. All these respect rules are put forward because the flag bears the holy shahada. Any disrespectful use of this can lead to legal penalties and public condemnation. 

• The flag cannot touch the ground or water. 
• The commercial use of the flag is not allowed. 
• No one can put the flag on packaging, advertisements, or disposable goods.
• You cannot put it on clothes or furniture or as decoration.
• Whether displayed vertically or horizontally, the shahada and sword should be upright. 

Saudi Flag Law Updates in 2025

According to the 2025 amendments, all kinds of national and commercial symbols are banned from commercial use. This includes the Saudi National Flag, too. Amid these updates, there was a stricter check of the flag-raising during Saudi National Day 2025. Authorities were alert to take action against anyone who used it on vehicles or décor.

The Ministry of Culture also issued regulations for digital usage. Online platforms must now ensure the exact color code and clear space around the design. All this is done to guard the integrity of the flag. 

Where must the Saudi Flag be raised?

According to the law, the flag must be raised daily on all government and public institutions. Ministries, schools, universities, and private organizations with public service roles fall under this category. When it is flown with other flags, it must be raised higher. It should be placed to the right of buildings. 

You should know that maritime law in Saudi Arabia also has clauses for flag raising. According to it, ships should raise the Saudi Flag from sunrise to sunset. And they should do so in ports, when entering or leaving harbors, and when passing other vessels. Besides, foreign ships on Saudi waters should also raise the Saudi flag as a sign of respect. 

International & Political Use of the Saudi Flag

Foreign embassies in KSA must display the Saudi flag with their country’s flag. Besides, it should be raised equally or higher. Also, they have to take permission from the Ministry of Interior to display foreign flags on occasions. On international platforms, Saudi Arabia follows global flag rules with its own set standards.  All in all, it showcases the strength and culture of KSA when displayed internationally.

What is the penalty for violating the Saudi Flag Law?

As of 2025, publicly destroying, insulting, or mishandling the flag can lead to a year of imprisonment or fines of around SAR 3000 or both. The Saudi Flag Law clearly mentions the result of disrespecting or misusing the flag. 

Using it commercially or for advertisements can also cause penalties. You should also know that authorities can anytime seize flags if they consider them improperly displayed. 

What commercial use of the Saudi flag is banned?

As the law implies, you can’t use the flag for trademarks, advertising, disposable products, decorative purposes, or any item you intend to discard later. This is because it has shahada on it. And they are sacred words. Businesses that violate this face fines or even jail time.

Conclusion

Other flags just have symbols. But Saudi Arabia’s flag is a representation of Islam. Apart from that, it also represents the eras it has gone through. It also has a sword symbolizing the struggles to become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. From locals to tourists, everyone should follow the flag’s protocols. Always use it with respect and care. Never display it improperly or else face negative consequences. It carries pieces of culture, history, and religion in it.