Saudi Flag: A Symbol of Unity from Imam Muhammad bin Saud to King Salman

King Salman kissing the Saudi Flag (SPA)
King Salman kissing the Saudi Flag (SPA)
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Saudi Flag: A Symbol of Unity from Imam Muhammad bin Saud to King Salman

King Salman kissing the Saudi Flag (SPA)
King Salman kissing the Saudi Flag (SPA)

The Saudi flag has been present at various events for over three centuries, with historical sources noting that the banner and standard used at the time were green, crafted from luxurious silk and brocade with brightly colored threads.

Saudi rulers carried the flag in military campaigns, victory celebrations, and national festivities, symbolizing strength, unity, and sovereignty.

This legacy was reaffirmed by a royal decree issued by King Salman bin Abdulaziz on March 1, 2023, establishing National Flag Day.

The decree emphasized that the national flag, dating back to the founding of the Saudi state in 1727, embodies the nation's core values.

The Islamic creed inscribed on the flag represents Saudi Arabia’s foundation on peace and faith, while the sword symbolizes strength, dignity, and wisdom.

For nearly three centuries, the flag has stood as a witness to the Kingdom's unification efforts, held high as a symbol of pride and resilience.

Recognizing its deep significance as a mark of sovereignty and national cohesion, the decree designated March 11 as National Flag Day, commemorating the date in 1937 when King Abdulaziz—founder of modern Saudi Arabia—approved the flag’s current design, reflecting unity, justice, strength, and prosperity.

The designation of an annual National Flag Day has rekindled memories of the Saudi flag’s deep ties to national events during the Third Saudi State and the commitment of its monarchs to preserving this unifying symbol of identity.

This tradition dates back to March 1937, when King Abdulaziz approved a Shura Council decision formalizing the flag’s dimensions and design.

For decades, Saudi schools have observed the flag salute as part of the morning assembly. Students who attended school during the reigns of King Saud and King Faisal recall the Flag Anthem, a daily ritual performed at the start of the school day.

With a firm salute and a loud voice, the student would proclaim: “Long live the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! Long live His Majesty the King!”—a chant echoed by the entire school in unison.

Beyond its presence at national events and celebrations, the Saudi flag has also been immortalized in patriotic songs. It was first mentioned in the country’s national anthem 41 years ago, when the lyrics of the current anthem were officially adopted.

Penned by the late Saudi poet, Ibrahim Khafaji, the anthem—now sung at all national occasions—features references to the flag, describing it as “the fluttering green standard” that carries “light inscribed” within it.



UAE’s Tahnoon bin Zayed, Trump Discuss Strategic Partnership

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. WAM
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. WAM
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UAE’s Tahnoon bin Zayed, Trump Discuss Strategic Partnership

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. WAM
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. WAM

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, has met with US President Donald Trump during a dinner banquet held in his honor at the White House, in the presence of senior US officials, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Wednesday.

Sheikh Tahnoon and Trump discussed opportunities to strengthen the long-term strategic partnership between the UAE and the US and explored ways to enhance it to serve their shared interests.

Shekh Tahnoon affirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening economic ties with the US by expanding partnerships and accelerating investments in key sectors like AI, technology, infrastructure, and healthcare.

He also praised Trump's leadership and economic policies, noting their significant role in stimulating foreign direct investment and fostering robust economic partnerships.

As part of his official visit to the US, Sheikh Tahnoon met on Tuesday with Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury, to discuss areas of economic and financial cooperation between the UAE and the US and explore ways to strengthen them to serve the interests of both countries.

During the meeting, Sheikh Tahnoon highlighted the strong strategic relations between the UAE and the US and their robust cooperation in financial and business markets. He underscored the vast opportunities available in both countries, emphasizing their potential to further strengthen the partnership and unlock new avenues, particularly in investment in advanced technology and artificial intelligence, WAM said.

Sheikh Tahnoon also met with US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz to discuss the advancement of bilateral relations and the latest developments on matters of mutual interest.

The discussions focused on efforts to strengthen regional and global security and stability, as well as the commitment of both countries to tackling current challenges and optimizing opportunities for development and prosperity, particularly in advanced technology, AI, energy, and joint investment cooperation.

Sheikh Tahnoon engaged with international business executives to explore strategic partnerships with the UAE, with in-depth discussions centering on AI's potential to drive sustainable growth, global innovation, digital infrastructure development, and enhanced industrial cooperation.

He underscored the unprecedented global transformation driven by advanced technology, which is reshaping economies through innovation and creativity.