The Military Awards of Saudi Arabia:
First Series –obsolete:
– Order of King Abdul-Aziz Al Saud
– The Star of King Saud
– National Military Decoration
– Efficiency Medal
– Medal of Merit
– Medal of Duty
– Medal of Appreciation
– Long Service and Good Example Medal
– Exceptional Promotion Medal
– War Wounded Medal
– Palestine Medal
Current Series
– Great Badr Collar
– Collar of the Order of Abdul Aziz Al Saud
– Order of Abdul Aziz Al Saud
– Order of Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz
– Medal of Merit
– Military Appreciation Medal
– Air Falcon Medal
– Naval Forces Medal
– Leadership Medal
– Bravery Medal
– Combat Medal
– Honour Medal
– Military Management Medal
– Security Medal
– Rescue Medal
– Teacher Medal
– Perfection Medal
– Invention Medal
– Shooting Medal
– Military Service Medal
– 1979 Holy Mosque Medal
– 1984 Exercise Island Crown Medal
– 1991 Liberation of Kuwait Medal
– Sports Medal (obsolete)
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It was during King Saud‘s reign that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia instituted , either in 1954 or 1955 , its own series of Orders, decorations, and medals .This series of Awards consisted of the following ,
– Order of King Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
– The Star of King Saud.
– National Military Decoration.
– Efficiency Medal.
– Medal of Merit.
– Medal of Duty.
– Medal of Appreciation.
– Long Service and Good Example Medal.
– War Wounded Medal.
– Palestine Medal.
Limited numbers of the Order of King Abdul-Aziz and the National Military Decorations were manufactured by Bichay of Cairo – the hallmark1955/1956 appears on an example of the Order of King Abdul Aziz. It is not believed that many, if any, of the other awards were ever manufactured .It would appear that these awards became obsolete and eventually replaced by the current Saudi awards system 1n 1971.
Commemorative Medals, Campaign and Service Medals
Achievement Medals
These also include a small silver grant.
Military Merit Decorations
All of these include a lifetime gold grant.
The First and Second World Wars
(One medal)
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
Efficiency Medal
King Faisal Star
First Palestine War
Exceptional Promotion Medal
Merit Medal
King Abdulaziz Al Saud Order
Third Palestine War
Wound Medal
Commendation Medal
King Saud Star
Fourth Palestine War
Palestine Service Medal
National Army Order
It is believed that the order of precedence begins with orders, followed by achievement medals, then service and campaign medals, and finally commemorative medals. It also appears that soldiers who participated in the Palestine War received both the Palestine Service Medal and one of the three commemorative medals corresponding to the particular Palestine campaign in which they served.
Although the original document or its official translation is not available, the individual who translated it was an Arab fluent in both Arabic and English, in reading and writing, and was employed by the U.S. government. He was also the one who obtained the original document. The translation was completed in 1960, and it is assumed to have remained unchanged since that time.
Given the limited information available regarding awards and decorations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is hoped that this material will be of value, bearing in mind that it dates back twenty‑five years.
Part One: Classification
Section One: Military Medals and Orders
Arranged as follows:
Orders:
- King Abdulaziz Al Saud Order — 5 classes
- King Saud Star — 2 classes
- National Military Order — 1 class
Achievement Medals:
- Efficiency Medal — 4 classes
- Merit Medal — 3 classes
- Service Medal — 2 classes
- Commendation Medal — 1 class
Medals:
- Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
- Exceptional Promotion Medal
- Wound Medal
- Palestine Medal
The above‑mentioned medals and orders are awarded to members of the Saudi Armed Forces, and may also be awarded to members of foreign armed forces, without granting them the financial stipend associated with these awards.
Section Two: The King Abdulaziz Order
This order is awarded to army officers who have distinguished themselves on the battlefield through acts demonstrating bravery and sacrifice in confronting the enemy, or for exceptional competence during peacetime.
The order consists of five classes:
- The First Class is awarded with the Grand Sash
- Followed by the Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Classes
King Abdulaziz Order — Social Services Medal
Awarded as follows:
- First Class: to officers of the rank of Lieutenant General, Major General, or Brigadier
- Second Class: to officers of the rank of Commander or Major General
- Third Class: to officers of the rank of Colonel
- Fourth Class: to officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel
- Fifth Class: to officers of the rank of Major; it may also be awarded for exceptional merit to officers of the rank of Captain, First Lieutenant, or Second Lieutenant
Benefits Granted to Recipients:
- A one‑time financial grant of 6,000 riyals for First Class; 5,000 for Second; 4,000 for Third; 3,000 for Fourth; and 2,000 for Fifth Class
- A monthly allowance of 400 riyals for First Class; 300 for Second; 200 for Third; 150 for Fourth; and 100 for Fifth Class
- Upon retirement, the monthly allowance is added to the officer’s pension
The form and details of the order are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 13.
Section Three: The King Saud Star
Awarded to members of the armed forces for performing a distinguished national service, whether for their own country or for any Arab nation, or for achieving distinction that brings honor and prestige to their homeland.
The decoration consists of two classes.
Benefits:
- A one‑time financial grant of 5,000 riyals for the First Class, and 3,000 riyals for the Second Class
- A monthly allowance of 200 riyals for First Class recipients, and 100 riyals for Second Class recipients
- Upon retirement, the allowance is added to the officer’s pension
The form and details of the decoration are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 14.
King Saud Star
Section Four: The National Army Order
- Awarded to individuals who render distinguished services to their country, to the Arab cause, or in any field of military service, and to those deemed deserving of such recognition.
- It consists of one single class.
- Awarded to members of the armed forces holding the rank of Major General and above.
- Recipients receive a monthly financial allowance of 100 riyals during their service, which is later added to their retirement pension.
- The form and details of the order are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 15.
Section Five: The Efficiency Medal
Awarded to individuals who render distinguished service in times of peace or war, or who demonstrate bravery on the battlefield in defense of their homeland, or who perform any act that brings honor to their country.
It consists of four classes:
- Distinguished Class
- First Class
- Second Class
- Third Class
Award criteria:
- The Distinguished Class is awarded to officers of the rank of Colonel and above
- The First Class is awarded to officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Major
- The Second Class is awarded to officers of the rank of Captain and below
- The Third Class is awarded to individuals outside military service
The form and details of the medal are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 16.
Section Six: The Merit Medal
Awarded to members of the armed forces in recognition of their competence, personal qualities, good conduct, and distinguished services performed efficiently during their period of service.
It consists of three classes:
- Gold Merit Medal — First Class, awarded to officers of the rank of Colonel and above
- Silver Medal — Second Class, awarded to officers from Second Lieutenant up to Lieutenant Colonel
- Bronze Medal — Third Class, awarded to enlisted personnel below officer rank
The form and details of the medal are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 17.
Section Seven: The Service Medal
Awarded to individuals who perform their duties with loyalty, dedication, and exemplary conduct.
It consists of two classes: Gold and Silver
- The Gold Medal is awarded to all officer ranks in the armed forces
- The Silver Medal is awarded to enlisted personnel below officer rank
The form and details of the medal are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 18.
Section Eight: The Commendation Medal
- Awarded as a commemorative medal to individuals who complete five years of service in the armed forces with good conduct and performance.
- The form and details of the medal are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 19.
Section Nine: The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
- Awarded to members of the armed forces who have completed at least twenty years of service and have demonstrated superior performance, loyalty, and dedication.
- The form and details of the medal are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 20.
Section Ten: The Exceptional Promotion Medal
- Awarded to individuals who receive an exceptional promotion for acts of bravery on the battlefield.
- If the same individual receives the medal more than once, the number of awards is recorded on the medal.
- The form and details of the medal are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 21.
Section Eleven: The War Wound Medal
- Awarded to individuals wounded on the battlefield, after verification of the injury by a medical board or by a report from the commanding officer confirming that the injury occurred during engagement with the enemy.
- The form and details of the medal are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 22.
Section Twelve: The Palestine Medal
Awarded in commemoration of the battles fought by Saudi forces in 1948 to defend the holy sites of Palestine, as well as any future battles fought for the same cause.
- Awarded to any military personnel who participated in the battles and fought with bravery and resilience.
- Also awarded posthumously to martyrs, in which case it is presented to their families but not worn.
- The form and details of the medal are governed by specific regulations outlined in Section 23.
Part Two: Description of the Medals
Section Thirteen: The King Abdulaziz Al Saud Order
- Recipients of the Grand Sash (First Class) wear the medal on the left side of the chest, suspended above a broad silk sash divided into five equal stripes, arranged from right to left: two green stripes, two red stripes, and a blue stripe in the center. At the lower end of the sash hangs a badge similar to that of the Third Class.
- The Second Class medal is worn on the left side of the chest and resembles the First Class badge, while the Third Class is worn as a neck decoration suspended from a ribbon matching the colors of the sash.
- The Fourth Class is worn on the chest, suspended from a ribbon matching the sash colors, embroidered with a knot. The Fifth Class ribbon is identical but without embroidery.
- The medal is gold‑plated and features a five‑pointed gold star. At the center is a green enamel medallion inscribed with “There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” Surrounding it is a yellow‑bordered blue enamel circle bearing the emblem of the crossed swords and palm tree.
- The ribbon for the First Class is of the same colors, measuring 36 mm in width and 12 mm in length, with a small disc resembling the neck badge. The Second Class ribbon is 36 mm by 12 mm with a central embroidered knot. The Third Class ribbon includes a yellow palm device over a blue field. The Fourth Class ribbon includes a yellow knot over the blue field. The Fifth Class ribbon matches the same specifications.
Section Fourteen: The King Saud Star
First Class
An eight‑pointed diamond star, with the emblem of the crossed swords and palm tree in gold between each pair of points. The inner border is encircled with diamonds, surrounded by a white enamel ring inscribed with the name “Saud” in brown. The star is suspended from a tri‑colored rosette (red, white, and yellow).
The ribbon measures 36 mm in width and 12 mm in length, divided into red, white, and yellow, with a representation of the star centered on the white field.
Second Class
Differs from the First Class in the placement of the crossed swords and palm tree emblem between the star’s points. It is suspended from a 6‑cm ribbon, 36 mm wide, shaped like an arrow within a circle.
The ribbon is identical in color, 36 mm by 12 mm, with a central knot in red and white.
Section Fifteen: The National Army Order
A gold eight‑pointed star, each point bordered by a silver circle containing a small diamond. The inner frame is white enamel. Within it are two green enamel wreaths inscribed with “National Army Order” in black along the lower arc, and the emblem of the crossed swords and palm tree at the top.
The star is suspended from a triangular ribbon (point downward) with black edges and a yellow center, measuring 6 cm in length and 36 mm in width.
The ribbon bar matches the same colors and dimensions.
Section Sixteen: The Efficiency Medal
Distinguished Class
A star and medallion surrounded by a green enamel ring. The eight‑pointed star features five radiating lines between its points. The inner frame is red and white enamel, enclosing a scalloped green enamel circle bearing the crossed swords and palm tree in white.
The star is attached by a rear suspension ring. The medallion matches the star except that the radiating lines are replaced by a royal crown at each point.
The ribbon has red and green stripes at the edges and center, measuring 26 mm in width and 12 mm in length.
First Class
Differs from the Distinguished Class in that the radiating lines above the star are silver. The ribbon is rectangular, 6 cm long and 12 mm wide, with a central green knot (20 mm in diameter).
Second Class
Differs from the First Class in that the crown is surrounded by two golden wreaths. The suspension ribbon is rectangular with an inner circular device, 6 cm long and 36 mm wide, with two opposing green arrows.
The ribbon bar is 36 mm by 10 mm with a yellow palm device over the white field.
Third Class
Differs from the Second Class in that the star points and wreaths are silver. The suspension ribbon matches the same specifications, but the ribbon bar has no palm device.
Section Seventeen: The Merit Medal
Gold Merit Medal — First Class
A star and medallion surrounded by a gold ring. The star is encircled by green enamel bearing the crossed swords and palm tree in white. Surrounding this is a red ring, then a larger black ring containing two wreaths.
A gold royal crown appears at the top. Around the black ring are 16 red dots, with alternating white and blue diamond shapes between them.
The star is attached by a diamond‑shaped suspension ring.
The ribbon has green edges and a red center, measuring 36 mm by 12 mm, with a central knot.
Silver Merit Medal — Second Class
Differs from the First Class in the absence of the triangles and diamond shapes, and includes two wreaths above the royal crown.
Both the star and medallion are silver.
The ribbon is rectangular, 36 mm by 12 mm.
Bronze Merit Medal — Third Class
Differs from the Second Class in that both the star and medallion are bronze.
The ribbon does not include a knot.
Section Eighteen: The Service Medal
The Gold Service Medal consists of a green enamel disc bearing a gold crown at its center, surrounded by two wreaths, with a rear suspension clasp.
The suspension ribbon is rectangular, divided into three sections: blue on both edges and yellow in the center. It measures 6 cm in length and 24 mm in width.
The ribbon bar uses the same colors and measures 24 mm in width and 12 mm in length.
The Silver Service Medal differs from the Gold Medal in that the enamel disc, crown, and wreaths are made of silver.
The suspension ribbon has blue edges and a white center, and the ribbon bar uses the same colors.
Section Nineteen: The Commendation Medal
A blue enamel disc bearing the emblem of the crossed swords and palm tree in yellow.
The blue disc is surrounded by a red ring topped with two white wreaths, and above them a gold royal crown.
The suspension ribbon is rectangular, divided into green and yellow sections, measuring 4–5 cm in width and 6 cm in length.
The ribbon bar measures 24 mm by 12 mm, in the same colors.
Section Twenty: The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
A uniquely shaped medal composed of eight adjoining crescents with gold edges, forming an oval surmounted by the emblem of the crossed swords and palm tree.
Below the swords are two opposing crescents forming a semicircle, with a flame rising upward between them.
Some crescents are in green enamel and others in blue.
The suspension ribbon is triangular (point downward), with green edges and red and black stripes in the center.
Section Twenty‑One: The Exceptional Promotion Medal
A red enamel disc containing a yellow flame surrounded by a green border, topped with a gold crown.
The suspension ribbon is rectangular, in red and yellow.
The ribbon bar measures 10 mm in length and 24 mm in width, in the same colors.
Section Twenty‑Two: The War Wound Medal
A green enamel disc with red dots symbolizing blood.
The perimeter consists of outward‑facing semicircles bordered by white enamel, with four evenly spaced flames, each topped by three gold points.
Between the flames are two crossed rifles.
The white border is surrounded by a black enamel ring decorated with green wreaths.
The suspension ribbon is triangular, with red edges and black and green in the center.
The ribbon bar is diamond‑shaped, made of bronze, with each side measuring 20 mm.
When worn with other ribbons, it is placed at the top center.
Section Twenty‑Three: The Palestine Medal
A seven‑pointed gold star representing the number of countries that participated in the Palestine War.
The star is set within a red‑and‑white striped circle.
Inside the star’s inner border is a green wreath encircling the disc.
On the right and left sides are two triangles with black dots between them.
The triangles bear the month and year of the Arab nations’ participation in the war, such as “May 1948.”
Between the triangles is a royal crown.
The star is suspended from a rear ring attached to a triangle holding the ribbon, which consists of three colors: red edges, with black and green in the center.
The ribbon bar uses the same colors and measures 12 mm in length and 36 mm in width.
📘 Part Three: General Provisions
Section Twenty‑Four
No military order or medal may be issued except by Royal Decree.
Approval to accept any foreign decoration also requires the King’s consent.
Section Twenty‑Five
The Minister of Defense determines the periods during which military decorations may be requested.
Decorations may be awarded at any time to members of the armed forces who perform acts of bravery or render distinguished service, to encourage others to follow their example.
Section Twenty‑Six
All preparations for nominations are conducted confidentially, and prior knowledge of intended recipients is strictly prohibited.
Section Twenty‑Seven
Requests for decorations are submitted to the relevant Officers’ Committee for review and recommendation.
After approval by the Minister of Defense, the recommendations are forwarded to the Prime Minister, who submits them to His Majesty the King.
Section Twenty‑Eight
The Minister of Defense’s recommendations must include all necessary information about the nominee, including full name, qualifications, and a concise evaluation of conduct and performance justifying the award.
Section Twenty‑Nine
No decoration may be awarded to any person accused of a crime or of conduct incompatible with military honor, or to anyone lacking the principles required by the dignity of the profession.
Section Thirty
Recipients receive an official certificate bearing the royal seal.
Their names are published in newspapers and military bulletins.
Section Thirty‑One
Certificates of decorations are issued by the Royal Court, which maintains two registers—one for Saudis and one for foreigners.
Each register includes the names of recipients and the dates of award, with an alphabetical index attached.
Section Thirty‑Two
Decorations and medals are worn during holidays, ceremonies, and official occasions.
All are worn on the upper left side of the chest.
Section Thirty‑Three
Anyone entitled to a decoration may wear its ribbon on the upper chest when in military uniform.
Section Thirty‑Four
No foreign military decoration may be worn until it has been announced in the military bulletin.
Foreign decorations are arranged according to the date of receipt, regardless of class or nationality.
Decorations from Arab states immediately follow Saudi decorations and precede all other foreign awards.
Section Thirty‑Five
Decorations and medals become the property of the recipient’s heirs upon death, as keepsakes, but may not be worn.
Section Thirty‑Six
A recipient’s name is removed from the decoration and he is prohibited from wearing it if he commits an act contrary to the principles and honor of his profession or is convicted of a crime.
Section Thirty‑Seven
No decoration may be revoked except after trial, conviction, and the issuance of a Royal Decree.
Section Thirty‑Eight
Government approval is required for the place where decorations and medals are manufactured.
It is strictly forbidden to grant any designs, drawings, or actual medals to unauthorized persons or to wear them unlawfully.
Section Thirty‑Nine
Anyone who unlawfully wears a decoration or medal is subject to military prosecution.
Section Forty
Any provisions inconsistent with the above regulations are considered null and void.
Section Forty‑One
The Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Minister of Finance, and the Chief of the Royal Court are each authorized to implement these regulations within their respective jurisdictions.
The system enters into force on the date of issuance.