The current form of the flag of has been used since October 4^th 1984. It consists of three equal horizontal bands of red at the top, white in the middle and black at the bottom. The Eagle of Saladin is in the centre of the white band. This is the national emblem of and it depicts a shield superimposed on a golden eagle facing the hoist side above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic.

The colour red relates to the period before the 1952 Revolution which was when strived against British occupation.  King Farouk, then king of , was removed from power by a group of army officers. The arrival of the 1952 Revolution when the monarchy ended without bloodshed is represented by the white band. The black band symbolises the end of oppression of the people of by the Monarchy and British colonialism.

It is the colours of the Egyptian flag that have become the traditional Pan-Arabic colours, also seen in the flags of , and . Each country has there own central emblem.

It is a criminal offence to abuse the flag in any way as it suggests disrespect to the power of the state. Citizens not uniform must salute the flag by standing to attention with their arms and hands by their sides.