Saudi Arabia Flag Meaning
A green field with the Islamic declaration of faith (shahada) in white above a horizontal sword. The design emphasizes Islam as the foundation of the state.
- Continent
- Asia
- Adopted
- 1973
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Colors
- green, white
- Designer
- Hafiz Wahba (adapted in 1973 with sword refinement)
Symbolism
Green Field: Represents Islam and the traditional color of the Prophet Muhammad.
Shahada (Islamic Creed): Declares the oneness of God and Muhammad as His Prophet, central to Islamic faith.
White Sword: Symbolizes justice, strength, and the unification of the kingdom under the House of Saud.
History
- 7th Century: Birthplace of Islam, with Mecca and Medina becoming central holy cities.
- 18th Century: Alliance between Muhammad ibn Saud and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab formed the foundation of the Saudi state.
- 1932: King Abdulaziz unified the tribes and declared the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- 1973: Current flag design standardized with the shahada and sword.
- 20th–21st Centuries: Became a global energy powerhouse due to vast oil reserves, shaping geopolitics and regional influence.
Trivia
- The Saudi flag is never flown at half-mast, since it contains the Islamic creed.
- Saudi Arabia is home to Islam’s two holiest cities: Mecca and Medina.
- The flag’s shahada text must be correctly oriented on both sides, unlike most flags.
- Saudi Arabia holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves.
- The sword in the flag is linked to the unification battles fought by King Abdulaziz.
Related Countries
Bahrain
Asia
A white band on the hoist side separated from a red field by a serrated line with five triangular points, representing peace and the five pillars of Islam, while the red represents the Kharijite sect of Islam that historically dominated the region.
Qatar
Asia
A national flag divided vertically with a broad white band on the hoist and a larger maroon field separated by nine white serrated points. Qatar’s unique flag ratio and color reflect its history and independence.
Kuwait
Asia
Three horizontal stripes of green, white, and red with a black trapezoid on the hoist side, representing Kuwait's position in the Arab world and its transformation from pearl diving to oil wealth in the Arabian Gulf.
Yemen
Asia
Three horizontal stripes of red, white, and black representing the Pan-Arab colors that symbolize the bloodshed for freedom, bright future and peace, and the dark past of oppression, adopted when North and South Yemen unified into the Republic of Yemen.
Iraq
Asia
Three horizontal stripes of red, white, and black (Pan-Arab colors) with 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Greatest) written in green Arabic Kufic script across the white stripe, representing Arab unity, Islamic faith, and Iraqi sovereignty.
Eritrea
Africa
A red triangle at the hoist with a golden olive branch and wreath, adjacent to green and blue triangular sections, representing the struggle for independence, agricultural potential, maritime heritage, and hopes for peace.