Saudi Arabia opens national emblem exhibition at Al-Masmak Palace
“Two Swords and a Palm” traces history and evolution of Kingdom’s iconic symbol from unification to present day
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — A new exhibition titled “Two Swords and a Palm: The Saudi Emblem Archive” has opened at Al-Masmak Palace in Riyadh, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the evolution of the Kingdom’s national emblem.
The exhibition, which runs until Nov. 21, documents the emblem’s historic transformations and its role as a symbol of unity and national identity.
Curated by Saudi researchers Mohammed Alruways and Abdullah Kenani, the exhibition is the result of four years of collecting, archiving, and digitizing objects bearing the emblem.
According to Arab News, their work spans from the early 1930s, following the unification of Saudi Arabia, to the present day.
“We realized that the emblem did not have one fixed drawing, and so we began investigating its changes over the decades,” Alruways told local media.
He explained that while many artifacts date back to the 1940s through 1960s, connecting them to specific eras required meticulous research, particularly with documents and official publications.
The exhibition unfolds across three sections: an archive of collected objects, large-scale reproductions including artworks made for diplomats, and a showcase of the digitization process with video presentations.
Interactive displays and animations guide visitors through the emblem’s visual history, demonstrating how it has adapted to cultural shifts while retaining its symbolic essence of unity, strength, and growth.
Al-Masmak Palace, itself a historic landmark tied to King Abdulaziz’s 1902 recapture of Riyadh, provides a fitting backdrop.
The curators noted that one of the palace’s rooms originally featured the emblem, which they recreated as an installation for the show.
Rare items on display include royal dining plates from the eras of King Abdulaziz and King Fahd, as well as a 1949 passport among the first to feature the emblem on its cover.
The researchers also observed that before 2009, most emblems were hand-drawn with unique variations, whereas digital replication in the internet age has since standardized their appearance.
The Saudi Museums Commission, which organized the exhibition, emphasized its role in preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing national identity.
It described the emblem — two crossed swords with a palm tree — as “a living record reflecting the Kingdom’s journey and aspirations across generations.”
The exhibition supports the goals of Vision 2030, transforming Al-Masmak Palace into a vibrant cultural hub. Alongside the displays, workshops and educational activities are being held to connect younger generations with the emblem’s significance in Saudi history.
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