Provisions of the Saudi flag Law

Provisions of the Saudi flag Law

Disclaimer: This is a legal article that provides information that does not replace consulting a competent lawyer to help you and for more accurate information.

The national flag is a sovereign symbol and national identity that reflects the country’s greatness and rich history. Hence, Saudi legislation has been keen to establish a precise legal framework that regulates the mechanism for dealing with it. 

The Saudi flag system is considered the primary reference that precisely determines the specifications of the flag, the dates for raising and lowering it on government buildings and processions, as well as the legal prohibitions and penalties resulting from violating them.

What is the Saudi flag law?

It is the system that explains the specifications of the Saudi flag, the controls for raising it, and how to deal with it as a sovereign symbol of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The system and the executive regulations of the Saudi flag system clarified the prohibitions on using the flag and the penalties imposed on violators.

A circular was also issued stating that March 11 of each year would be a special day for the Saudi flag, which symbolizes the Kingdom’s identity.

Saudi flag sizes

• Rectangular.
• Its width is equal to two-thirds of its length.
• It is green in color.
• In the middle of the flag is the Shahada (There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God) and a drawn sword underneath it in white.

When does the Saudi flag be raised and when does it descend? 

When will the Saudi flag be raised on government buildings?

The Saudi royal flag is raised on weekends and holidays on all government buildings and public institutions in accordance with Article 3 of the Saudi Flag Law in government departments.

The article specified the date for raising the Saudi flag from sunrise to sunset.

Raising the Saudi flag in processions

The flag shall be raised in the centre of the procession or to its right, depending on the direction of its travel, in accordance with Article 5 of the Regulations.

Raising the Saudi royal flag on naval ships

• While in Saudi waters:
  • The Saudi flag is raised on every foreign commercial or military ship or naval vessel continuously, day and night. 
  • The Saudi flag is raised on inland shipping ships from sunrise to sunset on Fridays, official holidays and special occasions.
• While in international waters: The Saudi royal flag is raised in the cases stipulated in Article 10 of the Saudi Flag Law, which are:
  • While the ship is in port from sunrise to sunset.
  • When entering or exiting any port.
  • When passing through any other ship, port, fort, castle, artillery, lighthouse, or at the request of a warship.
  • If any distinctive mark or sign is raised on the ship or marine vessel.

Lowering the Saudi flag

The executive regulations of the Saudi flag system clarify the controls for lowering and folding the flag after completing the official mission or occasion.

To avoid any legal violations related to the flag system and government regulations, be sure to consult a specialized legal attorney. 

What are the prohibitions on using the Saudi flag?

What are the prohibitions on using the Saudi flag?

• It is not permissible to lower the Saudi royal flag that bears the Shahada (There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God) or a Qur’anic verse.
• The Saudi flag may not touch the surfaces of land and water.
• It is prohibited to use the Saudi flag as a trademark or for commercial advertising purposes.
• It is prohibited to raise the Saudi flag that is faded or in poor condition.

What to do with a damaged Saudi royal flag?

Article 16 of the Saudi Flag Law clarifies the method of dealing with the Saudi flag if it is damaged and unusable, as it is burned by the party that uses it.

What is the penalty for violating the Saudi flag law?

What is the penalty for violating the Saudi flag law?

– According to Article 20 of the system – Anyone who drops, executes, or insults the Saudi royal flag or any other emblem of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or a friendly foreign country out of hatred or contempt, whether publicly or in a public place or open to the public, shall be punished with the following penalties:

• Imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year. 
• A fine not exceeding 3,000 Saudi riyals.
• Or one of these two penalties.

The Saudi flag represents a symbol of honor, dignity and national identity. Therefore, compliance with the provisions of the Saudi flag system and its executive regulations reflects the extent of awareness and respect for this sovereign symbol, and prevents individuals and institutions from falling into any violations or legal penalties.

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