RIYADH — Long before the Pantone green background, white shahada inscription and sword became globally recognized as the national symbol of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s flag underwent several stages of development across nearly three centuries.Observed annually on March 11, Saudi Flag Day commemorates the history and significance of the national flag. The design evolved through multiple phases before reaching its current form, reflecting the Kingdom’s political history and national identity.Here is a timeline of the key stages in the development of the Saudi flag. 1139 AH / 1727: The flag’s first phase was adopted by the First Saudi State. The design featured a white border on the side occupying a small portion of the flag, while the rest was painted Pantone green with the text “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah” written in white. The Second Saudi State later adopted the same design. **media[2676383]** 1319 AH / 1902: In the second phase, the main design remained the same, but two crossed swords were added above the text, symbolizing strength and justice. **media[2676381]** 1344 AH / 1926 – 1355 AH / 1937: The founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz bin Abdurahman, ordered the design of a new flag. The Shoura Council — a consultative assembly — approved the official dimensions of the flag at a ratio of 150 cm in length and 100 cm in width. 1355 AH / 1937: King Abdulaziz approved Shoura Council Decision No. 50 regarding the Saudi flag. The decision also covered several official flags, including the King’s flag, the Crown Prince’s flag, the Army flag, the Aviation flag, the Internal flag, the Royal Saudi Naval flag, and the Commercial Maritime flag. 1371 AH / 1952: All shapes and specifications of the flag were officially approved. 1393 AH / 1973 – 1398 AH / 1978: The National Flag Law and its regulatory bylaws were issued, officially codifying the flag’s specifications, usage protocols, and prohibitions. These included confirming details such as the sword’s hilt facing the lower side of the flag, requiring the flag to be raised on government buildings, and prohibiting lowering the flag to half-mast. **media[2676382]** 1404 AH / 1984: The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization approved the standards and specifications for the national flag. 1444 AH / 2023: A Royal Order was issued designating March 11 of each year as Saudi Flag Day. **media[2676384]**RIYADH — Long before the Pantone green background, white shahada inscription and sword became globally recognized as the national symbol of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s flag underwent several stages of development across nearly three centuries.Observed annually on March 11, Saudi Flag Day commemorates the history and significance of the national flag. The design evolved through multiple phases before reaching its current form, reflecting the Kingdom’s political history and national identity.Here is a timeline of the key stages in the development of the Saudi flag. 1139 AH / 1727: The flag’s first phase was adopted by the First Saudi State. The design featured a white border on the side occupying a small portion of the flag, while the rest was painted Pantone green with the text “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah” written in white. The Second Saudi State later adopted the same design. **media[2676383]** 1319 AH / 1902: In the second phase, the main design remained the same, but two crossed swords were added above the text, symbolizing strength and justice. **media[2676381]** 1344 AH / 1926 – 1355 AH / 1937: The founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz bin Abdurahman, ordered the design of a new flag. The Shoura Council — a consultative assembly — approved the official dimensions of the flag at a ratio of 150 cm in length and 100 cm in width. 1355 AH / 1937: King Abdulaziz approved Shoura Council Decision No. 50 regarding the Saudi flag. The decision also covered several official flags, including the King’s flag, the Crown Prince’s flag, the Army flag, the Aviation flag, the Internal flag, the Royal Saudi Naval flag, and the Commercial Maritime flag. 1371 AH / 1952: All shapes and specifications of the flag were officially approved. 1393 AH / 1973 – 1398 AH / 1978: The National Flag Law and its regulatory bylaws were issued, officially codifying the flag’s specifications, usage protocols, and prohibitions. These included confirming details such as the sword’s hilt facing the lower side of the flag, requiring the flag to be raised on government buildings, and prohibiting lowering the flag to half-mast. **media[2676382]** 1404 AH / 1984: The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization approved the standards and specifications for the national flag. 1444 AH / 2023: A Royal Order was issued designating March 11 of each year as Saudi Flag Day. **media[2676384]**
