RIYADH — Saudi Arabia commemorated its 94th National Day on Wednesday with a vibrant array of fireworks, drone shows, military parades, and cultural performances nationwide, uniting citizens and residents under the theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Observed annually on September 23, the holiday marks the 1932 unification of the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd and its dependencies into the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On that day, the nation’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued Royal Decree No. 2716 proclaiming the unified state. Today, the occasion serves as both a tribute to the Kingdom’s founding and a showcase of its ongoing transformation under Vision 2030.
Skies Illuminated Across the Kingdom
The General Entertainment Authority orchestrated drone and fireworks displays in multiple cities on Wednesday evening. In Riyadh, drones formed patterns inspired by the National Day identity over Boulevard City, while fireworks commenced at 9 p.m. Jeddah’s waterfront display at Jeddah Promenade began at 7 p.m., and Alkhobar hosted its show at the Corniche at 9 p.m. Additional fireworks lit up the skies over Madinah, Hail, Arar, Al-Baha, Tabuk, and Buraidah, with the Saudi Broadcasting Authority televising the major displays live.
Riyadh’s landmarks and building facades were bathed in green light, and major thoroughfares, including King Fahd Road, were illuminated in the national colors, creating a striking nighttime panorama.
Military and Naval Demonstrations
Riyadh hosted two days of air and military shows at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, drawing large crowds and participation from military and civilian entities. Aerial displays featured helicopters from Security Aviation, Black Hawk helicopters from the Ministry of National Guard, and aircraft from the Royal Saudi Land Forces and Royal Saudi Naval Forces. A Leonardo helicopter from Aloula Aviation and aircraft from the Saudi Aviation Club also participated, trailing banners bearing the National Day insignia. A Riyadh Air Boeing 787 joined the flypast.
In Alkhobar, the waterfront staged military air and naval shows featuring aerial flypasts, naval vessels, land formations, military bands, and skills demonstrations. The program included naval aviation displays and demonstrations of diver deployment and recovery operations.
Heritage and Community Celebrations
Across the Eastern Region, cities and governorates hosted patriotic songs, poetry, theatrical performances, and children’s activities, alongside traditional Saudi Ardah and folk performances. In Asir, Abha and surrounding governorates were decorated in green as families and youth participated in vehicle parades and public festivities. Al-Baha featured traditional Ardah performances attended by thousands, highlighting the region’s cultural heritage.
In Qassim, more than 20,000 Saudi flags adorned roads and public squares, while buildings and aesthetic installations were illuminated in green. Interactive light displays and National Day imagery appeared on roadside screens and billboards. Al-Ahsa held a major parade along King Abdullah Ring Road featuring government and security entities, health and service sectors, folk dances, national chants, classic and modified cars, and equestrian displays.
Makkah’s celebrations extended across walking tracks, parks, shopping malls, and public spaces, with artistic performances, national songs, family activities, and the distribution of flags, flowers, and commemorative gifts. Najran was similarly decorated with flags, green lighting, artistic installations, and national messages, while parks and public spaces hosted residents and visitors.
SPA reports from across the regions described broad participation by citizens and residents, with celebrations blending national pride, cultural heritage, and community activities. In Madinah, the region’s municipality held a National Day ceremony at the King Salman International Convention Center under the patronage of Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz. The program included the royal anthem, Quran recitation, and a patriotic poem recalling King Abdulaziz’s role in unifying the Kingdom.
Qiddiya Marks Inaugural National Day Since Opening
Qiddiya City celebrated its first National Day since opening to the public, offering entertainment, cultural, and interactive events at Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia. The festivities culminated Wednesday night with light shows and roaming performers, while Qiddiya’s slopes were illuminated in green in a display combining light, motion, and sound. Festivities at Aquarabia continue through September 26, while Six Flags will host stand-up comedy performances on September 25 and 26. The next National Day air shows are scheduled for Alkhobar on September 26 and 27.
