Saudi Arabia is marking its 96th National Day on Wednesday with military airshows, fireworks, naval displays and cultural performances across the Kingdom.
National Day is celebrated annually on September 23 and commemorates the unification of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932. This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “Ezzna Betabana”, translated as “Our Pride is in Our Nature”.
Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9pm simultaneously in nine cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Madinah, Hail, Arar, Al Baha, Tabuk and Buraidah.
The fireworks come after several days of National Day activities featuring airshows and public events across the country.
In Riyadh, the main National Day aerial programme is scheduled to continue from 4pm on Wednesday. The display includes aircraft and helicopters operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force, the Saudi Falcons aerobatic team and other Saudi entities.
Riyadh Air is also participating with a Boeing 787. The Royal Guard is taking part with an honour guard procession and military band, while a helicopter carrying the Saudi flag is included in the aerial programme.
Jeddah began its celebrations earlier, with Saudi fighter jets flying over the Corniche as crowds gathered at ROSHN Waterfront. The city’s airshow also featured the Saudi Falcons, a Saudia Boeing 787-9 and a flyadeal Airbus A320neo.
Air displays will continue after National Day, with Al Khobar scheduled to host shows on September 26 and 27.
The celebrations also extend to the sea. The Royal Saudi Naval Forces are participating in maritime displays along the Red Sea coast in Jeddah, while the Border Guard is holding land and maritime parades at locations including ROSHN Waterfront, Yanbu Corniche and Sharm Yanbu.
Boats, hovercraft and other maritime equipment are being used during events in several parts of the Kingdom.
Cultural activities are also central to the celebrations. At Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard, events on September 23 and 24 feature the Saudi Ardah, Najdi Samri, oud performances and orchestral music.
Visitors can take part in workshops focused on traditional crafts, including pottery, doll-making and Najdi door engraving. Children’s activities are also being held to introduce younger generations to Saudi traditions and heritage.
In Jeddah, more than 3,000 Saudi flags have been installed along streets and public areas, while major roads, squares and city entrances have been decorated and illuminated.
Across the Kingdom, the National Day programme combines military and maritime displays with music, traditional performances and public celebrations, culminating in the simultaneous fireworks at 9pm.
