2025-01-22


Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day for the first time

History

Ibn Saud’s (Abd al-Aziz Ibn Saud) army on the march near Habl, Saudi Arabia, 8th January 1911. (Photo by W.H.I. Shakespear/Royal Geographical Society via Getty Images)

The history of the flag dates back to the banner of Imams of the first Saudi state, who founded the state and unified its territories. The flag has undergone several changes, and the final design was approved on March 11, 1937.

The Saudi Flag bylaw was issued in 1973, stipulating that the flag should be rectangular in shape, green in colour, and with the creed “There is no god but Allah, Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah” in the middle.

A drawn sword with its grip directed to the lowest part of the flag is placed below parallel to the words of monotheism written in Thuluth script.

Special characteristics

The Saudi flag is unique among the flags of the world and has special characteristics that bestow on it an aura of awe, reverence, and glorification.

It is prohibited to wrap the flag on the bodies of dead kings and leaders, nor is it lowered at half-mast on occasions of grief, and it does not bow to the guests who review the guard of honor.

Even on official holidays, the national flag is raised atop all government buildings and public institutions inside the Kingdom and its missions abroad. The flag can be flown only when in good shape and in accordance with international protocol.

According to Article 13 of Saudi Arabia’s Flag Law, the flag is considered forbidden to be lowered and has not touched any surface, ground, or water since it was first raised.

Several laws and regulations have been put in place to protect the Saudi Arabian flag. The laws include specific terms, conditions, protocols, and penalties for those who violate them.

March 11

March 11 has been designated by a royal decree issued by King Salman who declared the day as Flag Day to honour the Saudi Arabian flag, which has a rich history dating back to the first Saudi state in 1727 AD.

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