Introduction
The national flag of Oman is a distinctive and symbolic banner featuring a unique vertical triband of white, red, and green, with a red vertical stripe on the hoist side containing the national emblem. This design makes it one of the most recognizable flags in the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Arab world.
Its most prominent feature is the national emblem, a khanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords, which is displayed in the upper canton of the red stripe. The flag's colors are arranged in horizontal bands, but the inclusion of the vertical stripe and emblem creates a complex and meaningful composition.
The flag's proportions and color scheme are precisely defined by Omani law, ensuring its consistent representation both domestically and internationally. Its design effectively blends traditional Omani symbols with a modern color palette that carries deep historical and cultural significance.
Meaning & Symbolism
The colors of the Omani flag hold profound meaning deeply rooted in the country's history and geography. The white band at the top symbolizes peace and prosperity, while the green band at the bottom represents the fertility of the Al Jabal al Akhdar (Green Mountains) and the country's agricultural heritage.
The central red band, and the broader red vertical stripe, are historically linked to the former Omani Empire and symbolize the battles fought by the Omani people throughout their history. The national emblem—the khanjar dagger and crossed swords—is a traditional symbol of the Sultanate, representing strength, heritage, and the ruling Al Said dynasty.
History of the Oman Flag
The current flag was officially adopted on December 17, 1970, by decree of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, following a period of modernization and the country's renaming from the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman to the Sultanate of Oman. This adoption coincided with the Sultan's efforts to unify and modernize the nation.
It replaced a simpler plain red flag, which was historically used by indigenous Omani tribes and represented the Omani Empire. The addition of the white and green bands and the national emblem under Sultan Qaboos created the modern symbol of a unified and progressive state.
Curiosities
- The Omani flag is the only national flag in the world to feature the specific combination of a vertical red stripe with a national emblem alongside horizontal bands of white, red, and green.
- The national emblem, the khanjar dagger, is so iconic it is featured on the Omani rial currency and is a common motif in Omani art and jewelry.
- The flag's proportions are unusual, with a specified ratio of 1:2, making it longer relative to its height than many other national flags.
Download Flag
Download the flag of Oman in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The flag's construction is precisely governed. The overall ratio is 1:2 (height to length). The vertical red band on the hoist occupies one-quarter of the flag's total length. The remaining three-quarters is divided into three equal horizontal bands: white (top), red (middle), and green (bottom). The national emblem is centered in the upper portion of the vertical red band, its size typically one-sixth of the flag's height.
Flags Similar to Oman Flag
Common Misidentifications
Rarely misidentified due to its unique emblem, but the horizontal tricolor pattern can be visually associated with other flags from a distance before the emblem is discernible.