Saudi Arabia

The flag of Saudi Arabia consists of a green field with white Arabic inscription and a white sword. The flag's Arabic inscription is the Islamic Creed or shahada which translates to "There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". Interestingly, the Saudi Arabian flag is manufactured so as to be identical on both sides - this is to ensure the shahada reads correctly from right to left on either side (the flag's sword also points to the left on both sides of the flag). The flag has been in use as the official flag of Saudi Arabia since 15 March 1973. The ratio of the Saudi Arabian flag is 2:3.

The green colour of the Saudi Arabian flag represents Islam (green was believed to be the favourite colour of the Prophet Muhammad). The flag's sword is the symbolic sword of Abd-al-Aziz, a conquerer of the 20th century.

Due to the script written on the Saudi Arabian flag, the flag itself is considered a holy item. As a result, the flag design is not permitted to be reproduced on clothing and other items. For similar reasons, the Saudi Arabian flag is never lowered to half mast, unlike many other national flags.

The flag of Saudi Arabia flying