Saudi Arabia celebrated its National Day on September 23 with a series of vibrant events, including fireworks, drone displays, military parades, and cultural performances across the Kingdom. The festivities, held under the theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” attracted citizens and residents alike, showcasing the nation’s rich heritage and contemporary achievements, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
National Day commemorates the unification of the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd into the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, following Royal Decree No. 2716 issued by King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Over the years, the occasion has evolved into a celebration of national pride and a reflection of the Kingdom’s development, particularly in line with Vision 2030.
Illuminating the Skies
The General Entertainment Authority organized spectacular drone and fireworks displays in various cities. In Riyadh, drones created patterns inspired by the National Day identity, while fireworks lit up the sky at 9 p.m. Jeddah’s display began earlier at 7 p.m., and Al-Khobar hosted its show at the Corniche at the same time as Riyadh.
Fireworks were also visible in Madinah, Hail, Arar, Al-Baha, Tabuk, and Buraidah, with major displays broadcast live by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority. Riyadh’s landmarks were illuminated in green, enhancing the festive atmosphere across the city.
Military and Cultural Displays
Riyadh hosted two days of military and air shows at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, featuring participation from both military and civilian entities. The aerial displays included helicopters from Security Aviation and the Ministry of National Guard, as well as aircraft from the Royal Saudi Land Forces and Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
In Alkhobar, the waterfront was the site of military air and naval displays, showcasing aerial flypasts, naval vessels, and military bands. The program also included demonstrations of diver deployment and recovery operations.
Across the Eastern Region, cities hosted a variety of cultural activities, including patriotic songs, poetry, and traditional folk performances. In Asir, families participated in vehicle parades, while Qassim adorned its streets with over 20,000 Saudi flags, creating a festive atmosphere.
Community Celebrations and Future Events
Major parades took place in Al-Ahsa, featuring government and security entities, folk dances, and equestrian displays. Makkah’s celebrations included artistic performances and family activities in public spaces. Najran was similarly decorated, hosting events that highlighted national pride.
Qiddiya City marked its first National Day celebrations since opening to the public, featuring entertainment and cultural events at Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia. The festivities culminated with light shows and roaming performers, with activities continuing through September 26.
For those looking forward, the next National Day air shows are scheduled for Al-Khobar on September 26 and 27, promising to extend the celebratory spirit across the Kingdom.
For more details on the celebrations, visit Arab News.
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