A celebration that has marked the union of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi National Day is close to the country’s heritage. It is not a day’s revelry but decades of perseverance. The day serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that the people of Saudi Arabia have shown in their journey from a collection of tribes to a leading global power. In a nutshell, it is the day for the citizens to reflect on their shared heritage and the values of loyalty, faith, and perseverance that have been passed down through generations.
A. Updates about Saudi National Day 95
The 95th Saudi National Day is around the corner, and locals are immensely thrilled to celebrate the big day. GEA had unveiled the national theme of Saudi National Day 2024. It said ‘ We Dream and We Achieve’. In 2025, Saudi National Day continues the theme and will be observed with greater enthusiasm. It coincides with remarkable growth and international recognition for the Kingdom.Â
Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has continued to make headlines. There have been rapid modernization efforts and ambitious projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. Several initiatives like Saudi tourist visa process online, easy Umrah visa, and modernized rights for women travelers have attracted millions of tourists.
National Day 2025 is expected to highlight these achievements, with events that focus on the Kingdom’s future as a global leader in sustainability, innovation, and culture. The government has already announced plans for large-scale celebrations that will include cultural festivals, sporting events, and international exhibitions showcasing Saudi Arabia’s contributions to the global community.
One of the anticipated highlights is the unveiling of new projects related to Vision 2030, which will emphasize the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a key player in the global tourism and technology sectors. From entertainment to education, the impact of Vision 2030 will be a major theme during this year’s National Day. This is meant to remind citizens and the world of Saudi Arabia’s progress and potential.
B. When is the Saudi National Day 2025 holiday?
Saudi National Day is celebrated on 23rd September. In 2025, the Saudi government announced a four-day holiday to mark this important day with grandeur. This year, the Saudi National Day falls on Monday. Hence, the holiday is from the weekend Friday to Monday.
C. History of Saudi National Day 95
Before its unification, the Arabian Peninsula was fragmented into tribal territories and regions, often entangled in conflict. King Abdulaziz, also known as Ibn Saud, began his quest for unity in 1902 when he recaptured Riyadh, his ancestral home. Through diplomacy and conquest, over the next three decades, he succeeded in uniting the vast desert regions and establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Later, in 1932, King Abdulaziz ibn Saud announced through a royal order that the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz would be renamed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Hereafter, it laid the country’s social, economic, and political stability. Â
Then in 2005, Saudi National Day was officially declared as a National Holiday by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
D. How Saudi Arabia Celebrates National Day
Saudi National Day is ‘the event’ of the year when the entire country comes together to celebrate. People wear green and white, the streets light up, and the nation cheers with full energy. What can you expect on Saudi National Day? Well, it is prime time for grand celebrations across the Kingdom, with public and private events taking center stage. Also, these events revolve around the culture and achievements of the nation.
Cultural Performances and Fireworks
An event is incomplete without whirl and twirl. Revel in the traditional folk dances like Ardha, drum shows, poetry, and musical performances. The best part is that they are free to watch as they are held in public spaces. One cannot skip watching the famous Ardha sword dance, signifying pride and cohesion. As the sun sets, fireworks light up the skies in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Public Parades and Light Shows
Besides the dances, there are parades, road shows, drone displays, and laser projections that take over city streets, which are arranged and handled by the government. Buildings glow in green, and national flags wave across every nooks of the country. Also, the day is trending on social media platforms are with patriotic messages, with citizens sharing their pride and love for their country through images, videos, and quotes.
National Discounts and Shopping Deals
Malls, restaurants, and local businesses roll out special offers, including family discounts and gifts. It’s a great time to shop, dine, and experience festive joy across major shopping centers.
E. Top Places to Experience Saudi National Day
- Riyadh: Visit the capital of the country and the capital of legendary celebrations. It is the trendy host of some of the amazing events, from concerts and air actions to military parades, and exhibitions.Â
- Jeddah: Its Corniche perks up with fireworks, lined up with food trucks, and comes alive with family activities. The view is calm and serene while the artists perform live near the sea, creating an impressive atmosphere.
- Eastern Area: In cities like Dammam, keep an eye out for family-friendly fun. Duck into leafy parks, museums, and cultural zones that throw in interactive sessions, kids’ activities, and old cinematic storytelling events.
F. Saudi National Day Guidelines 2025
The government has outlined several National Day guidelines to ensure the celebrations are safe avoiding disruptions in public order.
- Dress Code: Wearing traditional Saudi attire and the national colors (green and white) is encouraged.
- Events: Government-approved events, such as parades, concerts, and fireworks, will be organized across major cities. Participation in unregistered or unofficial gatherings is discouraged.
- Social Media: Patriotic posts and images should align with Saudi cultural values. Thereby, you should also avoid offensive content or unauthorized use of the national flag.
- Traffic Control: Expect road closures and traffic rerouting in celebration zones. So, plan your travel accordingly.
- Workplace: Public sector offices may close, while private sector companies should follow labor guidelines on holiday hours.
FAQs
1. Will the restaurants and businesses open on Saudi National Day?
2. What are the three national holidays observed in Saudi Arabia?
3. What is Saudi National Day?
4. Will there be any special events in 2025?
5. What are the Saudi National Day colors?
Conclusion
As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its transformation journey, Saudi National Day remains a day of pride and reflection. It’s a time to honor the sacrifices of those who came before and to celebrate the milestones. Besides its rich history, vibrant culture, and ambitious vision, Saudi Arabia stands as a beacon of progress in the Middle East and beyond.
As the celebrations in 2025 unfold, they will mark the anniversary of the Kingdom’s unification and herald a new era of growth. Saudi National Day serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience poised to play an even greater role on the world stage.
A travel influencer, adventurer and blogger on a mision to dicover the hidden gems of this beautiful planet. For me traveling isn’t a hobby, but a way of living.
