The Flags and Why they matter

 

The flags of the Gulf countries are rich in symbolism, history, and cultural significance. Each flag tells a unique story about the nation it represents, reflecting the values, traditions, and aspirations of its people. This Sunday we are exploring the flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

If you want to make sure you never miss any new information about the Gulf, sign up to the Middle East Insights.

 

Bahrain

The flag of Bahrain consists of a white band on the hoist side, with a red field on the right. These two sections are separated by five white triangles forming a serrated line. This design was adopted in February 2002.

The red colour in Bahrain’s flag is significant, as it’s a common feature in many Gulf flags. Red in Arab flags often symbolises the struggle for independence and the sacrifices made to protect one’s country. The white colour, present in the serrated edge and the hoist side band, typically represents purity, peace, and optimism.

Interestingly, Bahrain’s flag shares similarities with that of Qatar, both featuring a white band with a serrated line on the left. This resemblance is not coincidental; both countries historically used entirely red flags until they were modified with a white vertical stripe to appease the British.

Interesting facts: Bahrain’s flag has undergone several changes since 1820, with the number of white triangles on the serrated edge varying over time. Initially, the flag had 28 points, which was reduced to 8 in 1972, and finally to 5 in 2002. This final change was made to represent the Five Pillars of Islam, emphasising the country’s Islamic heritage. 

 

Kuwait

Kuwait’s flag, adopted in 1961, features three horizontal bands of green, white, and red, with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side. This flag incorporates the Pan-Arab colours, which have deep historical and symbolic meanings.

In the context of Kuwait’s flag:

• Green symbolises the fertile land
• White represents purity and peace
• Red signifies the blood of Kuwait’s enemies
• Black stands for the defeat of Kuwait’s enemies

The use of these colours connects Kuwait to the broader Arab world while maintaining its unique identity through the specific arrangement and proportions of the design.

Interesting fact: Kuwait’s flag has a unique history tied to its relationship with the British Empire. Before 1899, Kuwait used a plain red flag with a crescent and star, reflecting Ottoman influence. The flag underwent several changes during the British protectorate period, including the addition of Arabic text and various symbols. A significant change occurred in 1915 when a broad white stripe was added to the left side of the flag, a design element that persisted until the adoption of the current flag in 1961. The current flag’s colours are based on a poem by Safie Al-Deen Al-Hali, with each colour symbolising different aspects of Arab history and culture.

 

Oman

Oman’s flag stands out with its distinctive use of colours. Adopted in 1970, it consists of three horizontal stripes: white on top, red in the middle, and green at the bottom. On the hoist side, there’s a vertical red stripe featuring the national emblem of Oman.

The colours in Oman’s flag carry specific meanings:

• White symbolises peace and prosperity
• Red represents the battles against foreign invaders
• Green signifies the fertility of the land and the Jebel al-Akhdar (Green Mountains)

The national emblem, which features crossed swords and a dagger, is a symbol of the country’s royal heritage and its historical importance as a seafaring nation.

Interesting fact: An intriguing historical note is that before 1970, Oman used a plain red and white banner. The current flag was introduced when Sultan Qaboos bin Said modernised the nation, officially adopting the flag on 25th April 1995.

 

Qatar

Qatar’s flag is unique among Gulf nations for its distinctive maroon colour. The flag features a maroon field with a white serrated band with nine points on the hoist side. This design was officially adopted in 1971, although the maroon colour became standardised in 1949.

The maroon has an interesting origin story. Some sources suggest that the particular shade resulted from exposure to strong sunlight on what used to be a brighter red. This unique colour sets Qatar’s flag apart from its neighbours and has become a strong symbol of national identity.

The nine points of the serrated edge represent Qatar’s inclusion as the 9th member of the ‘reconciled emirates’ of the Persian Gulf at the conclusion of the Qatari-British treaty in 1916.

Interesting fact: The maroon colour is deeply rooted in Qatar’s history, dating back to the third millennium B.C. and associated with the Phoenicians. When the British suggested changing the flag to red in 1932, the Qataris refused, demonstrating their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. The flag’s design was simplified in 1960 by Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Thani, removing diamonds and text while retaining the characteristic maroon and white colours.

 

Saudi Arabia

The flag of Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most distinctive in the region, and indeed, in the world. It’s the only national flag that features an inscription as its principal design element. The flag consists of a green field with the Shahada (Islamic creed) written in white Arabic calligraphy, reading “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” Below the inscription is a white horizontal sword.

This flag design was adopted in 1973 and has deep religious significance. The green background represents Islam, while the Shahada emphasises Saudi Arabia’s role as the birthplace of Islam and the custodian of its two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina. The sword symbolises justice and the military strength of the kingdom.

An interesting feature of the Saudi flag is that it’s manufactured with different obverse and reverse sides, ensuring that the Shahada reads correctly and the sword points to the right on both sides.

Interesting fact: The Saudi Arabian flag is unique in that it cannot be flown at half-mast, even during times of mourning or tragedy, due to the sacred nature of the Shahada inscription. 

 

United Arab Emirates

The flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), adopted in 1971, consists of three equal horizontal stripes of green, white, and black, with a vertical red stripe on the hoist side.

Each colour in the UAE flag carries specific symbolism:

• Red represents energy and the sacrifices made by the people for their nation
• Green stands for growth and prosperity
• White symbolises peace and purity
• Black represents dignity

Interesting fact: The UAE flag was inspired by a poem by Safi-u-ddin Al Hali, with the colours carefully chosen to represent the country’s heritage and aspirations. The flag is raised daily in government and private schools, accompanied by the national anthem, emphasising its importance in national identity and there are rules to ensure it is always presented at the highest standard.

If you want to learn more about the different countries, their culture and business manners, we can recommend our Middle East Foundation Course.

Commonalities

While each Gulf flag is unique, there are several common themes:

1. Use of Pan-Arab colours: Most Gulf flags incorporate some or all of the Pan-Arab colours (red, green, white, and black). These symbolise the shared history and cultural ties among Arab nations.
2. Islamic symbolism: Given the importance of Islam in the region, many flags incorporate elements that reference the faith, from the explicit Shahada on Saudi Arabia’s flag to the more subtle use of the colour green in others.
3. National identity: Each flag includes elements that are specific to the country it represents, whether it’s the unique maroon of Qatar’s flag or the crossed swords in Oman’s emblem.
4. Historical influences: The designs of several flags, such as those of Bahrain and Qatar, show the influence of historical events, including interactions with colonial powers.

Despite these commonalities, each flag maintains its distinctiveness. Saudi Arabia’s flag stands out with its religious inscription, Qatar’s with its unique colour, and the UAE’s with its bold four-colour design.

Many of the Gulf countries have holidays tied to their flags such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia – make sure you don’t miss any holidays by getting our 2025 Planner.

The flags of the Gulf countries have evolved over time, reflecting changes in national identity, political structures, and international relations. For instance, many of these flags were adopted or modified in the mid-20th century as these nations gained independence or underwent significant political changes. They are prominently displayed during national celebrations, at government buildings, and in international forums. The colours and symbols of these flags often find their way into national dress, architecture, and branding, further cementing their importance in the cultural fabric of these nations.