Saudi Arabia will celebrate “Science Day” on Tuesday, the 11th of Ramadan 1446 AH, corresponding to the 11th of March 2025 AD. This day commemorates the declaration by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, of the significance of knowledge, symbolizing unity, justice, strength, prosperity, and well-being on the 27th of Dhul Hijjah 1355 AH, equivalent to the 11th of March 1937 AD.
The observance of Science Day highlights the national value of knowledge throughout Saudi Arabia’s history since its establishment in 1139 AH, symbolized by the creed of monotheism and the message of peace and Islam, upon which this blessed country was founded. The sword represents strength, pride, wisdom, and status.
For nearly three centuries, knowledge has witnessed the unification of Saudi Arabia in all its stages, serving as a banner of unwavering dignity for the citizens of this nation. The national flag represents timeless values of pride, solidarity, love, and loyalty stemming from a sense of belonging and allegiance to the leadership and the homeland. It embodies the concepts of belonging, citizenship, unity, strength, justice, prosperity, and the historical depth of the nation.
The Saudi national flag’s history dates back to the banner carried by the leaders of the first Saudi state, consisting of a green flag inscribed with “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah,” tied to a wooden staff. This flag remained unchanged during the era of the first Saudi state, evolving under King Abdulaziz, may God have mercy on him, when two crossed swords were added to signify national unity and security. The crossed swords were later replaced by a single sword at the top, as proposed by the consultative council and approved by King Abdulaziz on March 11, 1937, finalizing the design of the flag as it is known today.
The regulations governing the flag, issued in 1393 AH / 1973 AD, stipulate a rectangular shape with a length equal to three times the width, green in color, extending from the staff to the edge, with the phrase “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah” in the center and a drawn sword parallel to it, pointing towards the lower part of the flag. The shahada and the sword are depicted in white, written in calligraphy, with specific proportions and spacing.
Each color and symbol on the flag carries profound meanings: green symbolizes growth and fertility, white symbolizes peace and purity, and the sword represents justice and security, rooted in Arab concepts of nobility and valor. The creed of monotheism emphasizes affirming God’s unity and applying His wise law, following the righteous path upon which our nation was established and has progressed through its stages.
The Saudi flag stands out among world flags for its unique characteristics that command respect and veneration. It does not drape over the coffins of kings and leaders, remain lowered during sad occasions, or bow to dignitaries during ceremonial military displays. The flag is raised on all government buildings and public institutions within the Kingdom, as well as in its diplomatic missions abroad, even during official holidays.
Recognizing the vital importance of the flag as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s strength, sovereignty, unity, and cohesion, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud issued a royal decree on the 1st of March 2023, designating the 11th of March each year as “Science Day” to honor the significance of knowledge as an emblem of the Saudi state. The flag represents a legacy of unity, pride, and national identity, embodying the values of loyalty and allegiance to the Kingdom.
