Saudi Arabia Flag

Saudi Arabia's flag is a dark green field bearing the Shahada — the Islamic declaration of faith ("There is no god but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God") in white Arabic calligraphy — and beneath it a white Arabian sword pointing to the left (hoist side).

Green is the traditional colour of Islam; the Shahada and sword represent faith and military strength respectively. Due to the religious text, the flag is never flown at half-staff, and great care is taken in its manufacture and disposal.

The green-and-white colour scheme with Arabic script dates to the Wahhabi reform movement in the 18th century. King Abdulaziz ibn Saud unified the Arabian Peninsula between 1902 and 1932, and the Shahada flag became the banner of the new Saudi state.

The current precise design — including the proportions, exact calligraphy style, and sword shape — was standardised in 1973. The Shahada must be written correctly in all reproductions; a reversed or misprinted flag would be considered deeply disrespectful.