Bahrain’s flag—white hoist band serrated into five points against a red field—took shape in 1932 and was standardised on 14 February 2002 (five points for the Five Pillars). Red is the traditional Gulf colour; white denotes peace. Statute sets a 3:5 ratio, serration geometry, protocol, and penalties for disrespect; display is mandatory on state occasions.
Bahrain’s national flag combines an historical Gulf palette with a distinctive serrated divide that has become an immediate visual signature. Nineteenth‑century banners were plain red; a white stripe indicating peace agreements and differentiation was added during the treaty era with Britain. In 1932 a serrated partition was introduced to sharpen recognition in ports and at sea.
Independence in 1971 elevated the flag’s status; for decades the serration often showed eight points in practice. A 2002 royal decree, coincident with Bahrain’s transition to a kingdom, fixed five white points, explicitly referencing the Five Pillars of Islam, and codified proportion (commonly 3:5), colour references, and usage.
Protocol
mandates respectful handling, sunrise‑to‑sunset display unless illuminated, half‑masting by order in mourning, dignified retirement, and precedence rules with foreign flags. Desecration and unauthorised commercial use draw penalties.
The design—white for peace and red for traditional Gulf identity—has remained stable since 2002, while the serration ensures distinctiveness among regional flags. The banner is ubiquitous on National Day, at ministries and embassies, in sport, and at maritime facilities where recognition at distance and on the water is essential.