Kingdom honours its national flag, symbolising unity, justice, and prosperity, on March 11.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Saudi Arabia celebrated Flag Day, marking the anniversary of the national flag’s adoption by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud on March 11, 1937. The flag embodies the nation’s unity, justice, strength, growth, and prosperity.
The national flag, featuring the Islamic declaration of faith, the Shahada, at its centre, reflects the principles of peace and Islam upon which the nation was founded. The sword beneath the Shahada signifies strength, dignity, wisdom, and high status. For nearly three centuries, the flag has symbolised the unification of the Saudi state, serving as a beacon of pride and dignity that is never flown at half-mast.
In Jeddah, over 3,000 Saudi flags were raised across various streets and squares to commemorate the occasion. Buildings were illuminated with green lights, reflecting the flag’s colour, symbolising prosperity.
The history of the Saudi national flag dates back to the First Saudi State in 1727, when leaders carried a green silk banner inscribed with the Shahada. During King Abdulaziz’s reign, two crossed swords were added, marking a pivotal phase leading to national unification. In 1937, the design evolved to its current form, with a single sword beneath the Shahada.
The Saudi Flag bylaw, issued in 1973, stipulates that the flag be rectangular, with a width equal to two-thirds of its length, and green in colour. It features the Islamic creed in Thuluth script at its centre, with a white sword beneath it. The green symbolises growth and prosperity, white denotes peace and purity, and the sword represents justice and security, rooted in Arab heritage.
Recognising the flag’s profound significance as a manifestation of the Saudi state’s strength, sovereignty, and national unity, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a Royal Decree on March 1, 2023, designating March 11 each year as “Flag Day.”
Source: Saudi Press Agency
