|Escutcheon||Two swords in saltire with a palm tree in the upper space between them|
The Saudi Arabian national emblem (Arabic: شعار السعودية) was adopted in 1950.1 According to the Saudi Basic Law,2 it consists of two crossed swords with a palm tree in the space above and between the blades.
The swords represent the two kingdoms of Nejd and Hijaz, which were united under Ibn Saud in 1926.3 The palm tree represent the Kingdom's assets which are defined as its people, heritage, history, and resources natural and non-natural. Thus, the palm is shown to be guarded by the two swords, which represent the force to be used in defence of the nation.
The Emblem appears on government documents, diplomatic missions, as well as several Saudi Arabian flags. It is emblazoned in gold on the flag of the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia (which is also the Kingdom's war ensign), and on the lower hoist of the Royal Standard. The latter is essentially the national flag defaced with the Emblem in gold, which is placed in the lower part of the (left-facing) hoist and not in the canton as with other royal standards. The Emblem's lower position is in deference to the sacred nature of the Shahada, the Islamic creed.