Saudi Arabia on Saturday marked Flag Day for the first time in its history with zeal.
To mark the occasion, the national flag of the kingdom has been displayed at all large buildings and has been displayed in parks, and on public roads.
A royal order announcing March 11 as Flag Day every year was issued by Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz on March 1. The national flag underwent a number of changes before a definitive version was authorized on March 11, 1937. Since the Saudi state was founded in 1727, the flag has been seen as a symbol of strength, sovereignty, and national unity.
The Arabic phrase “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah” is written in green across the bottom of the flag, which also features a drawn sword.
The calligrapher who wrote the two statements on the flag, Abdullah Otaibi, died at the age of 85. He was an accomplished calligrapher who made a substantial contribution to the growth of the discipline in Saudi Arabia.
He wrote the testimonies with a special type of calligraphy known as Diwani, a style known for its beauty and complexity.
