Saudi Arabia is set to mark its 95th National Day on Tuesday with a six-day programme of spectacular festivities spanning 14 cities, featuring fireworks, air and naval displays, parades, and cultural events that showcase the Kingdom’s heritage and identity.
The annual occasion commemorates the 1932 decree by the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, uniting Najd and Hejaz under the name of Saudi Arabia. It has since become one of the nation’s most cherished public holidays.
Theme: “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature”
This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature”, announced by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). The slogan reflects the deep cultural roots and natural heritage of Saudi Arabia, while highlighting the traits long associated with its people generosity, ambition, courage, dignity, and hospitality.
“The theme embodies both our authentic traditions and the ambitious vision driving the Kingdom’s people towards a prosperous future,” GEA said in a statement.
Fireworks, Aerial Formations and Parades
Celebrations will light up the skies with synchronized fireworks on Tuesday night at 9pm in major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Najran. Each display will last up to seven minutes, with landmark venues such as Riyadh’s Binban Historic Area, Jeddah’s Art Promenade and Yacht Club, Dammam’s waterfront, and Medina’s King Fahd Central Park serving as focal points.
The Saudi Hawks aerobatic team will perform aerial shows in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, while naval frigates and patrol boats will stage coastal displays. On land, parades featuring military vehicles, marching bands and the Royal Guard will underline the Kingdom’s unity and strength.
Cultural and Heritage Highlights
Beyond the spectacles, the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) will host more than 40 cultural and heritage activities throughout the week. These include art exhibitions, traditional dance performances, concerts, and family-friendly heritage experiences. Ithra’s gardens will feature immersive shows blending fireworks, lights and music to celebrate national identity.
A Legacy of Pride and Progress
Since its first celebration in 1965 under King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi National Day has evolved into a permanent holiday, formally designated by King Abdullah in 2005. Today, it is celebrated nationwide with landmarks illuminated in green, crowds waving Saudi flags, and citizens and residents donning national colours as symbols of unity and pride.
