Flag of Kuwait

The flag of Kuwait (Arabic: علم الكويت) was adopted on 7 September 1961, and officially hoisted 24 November 1961. It is the only national flag featuring an acute trapezium, making it unique among world flags. Before 1961, Kuwait, like other Arab states of the Persian Gulf, used a red and white flag with words or symbols in white.

When the Utub settled in Kuwait, they used a red flag with a serrated white ribbon, similar to the current Bahrain flag. During Ottoman rule, the Ottoman flag—a red flag with a white crescent and star—was used. Even after Kuwait became a British protectorate, this flag was flown until friendly-fire incidents during the First World War led to a new design.

The current flag features the Pan-Arab colours, each with its own meaning: white for deeds, black for battles, green for lands, and red for swords, inspired by a poem by Safi al-Din al-Hilli. During the 1990 Iraqi invasion, the flag was banned, highlighting its importance as a symbol of Kuwaiti identity and resistance.

In 2005, a kite shaped like the Kuwaiti flag became the world's largest, measuring 1019 square metres. It was made in New Zealand by Peter Lynn and first launched in the United Kingdom before its official debut in Kuwait.

Suppression by Ba'athist Iraq

During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein tried to remove Kuwaiti national symbols after claiming Kuwait was Iraq’s "19th province". The Kuwaiti flag was not allowed to be shown, and Iraqi symbols took its place on public buildings and government places. People who showed the Kuwaiti flag or took part in peaceful protests for their country could face serious trouble from the authorities in charge at that time.

Rules and Protocol for Displaying the Kuwaiti Flag

The Law No. 26 of 1961 defines how the flag of Kuwait should look and where it can be displayed, such as on government buildings and embassies. The flag’s length must be twice its width, with three horizontal bands and a black trapezium at the hoist.

The flag must always be treated with respect. It should be clean, raised quickly, and lowered slowly. It should never touch the ground or be used improperly. It can only be flown on private buildings during special national events and not for commercial use. Breaking these rules can lead to legal penalties.

Construction sheet

The construction sheet for the flag of Kuwait shows how the flag is designed. It includes details on the colors and shapes used to create the flag properly. This helps anyone make an accurate copy of Kuwait's national symbol.

Standard of the Emir

The Emir of Kuwait uses a special flag, called a royal standard. It is the same as the country’s national flag, but with a yellow crown added to the green stripe. This special flag shows the Emir’s role as the leader of Kuwait.

There have been different versions of this royal standard over the years, from 1921 to today. Each version had its own design, leading up to the current flag used since 1961.

Historical flags of Kuwait

Kuwait has had many different flags throughout its history. From 1746 to 1871, it used a flag known as the Al-Sulami flag. Later, from 1871 to 1914, the flag changed as Kuwait was influenced by the Ottoman Empire.

In 1899, a new flag was used when Kuwait was a protectorate of the United Kingdom. There were also proposals for new flags in 1906 and 1913, but these were not chosen. Different flags were used in various years, including a special battle flag during the Battle of Jahra in 1920. A flag used during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait in 1990 is also noted, and the current flag has been in use since 1961.