ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia celebrated its 96th National Day on Wednesday, marking the anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom under the leadership of its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.
The national occasion was observed across the Kingdom with cultural, entertainment, sporting, and community events, highlighting Saudi heritage and national identity.
Timeless Words from Saudi Leaders. #SaudiNationalDay | #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/G84HLG4LhI
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) September 23, 2026
This year’s National Day is being held under the slogan “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature” expressing national pride and belonging and drawing on values associated with Saudi identity, including authenticity, courage, generosity, and ambition.
The successive titles held by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud accompanied the founding and unification of the modern Saudi state, embodying its administrative evolution and preserving the founder’s legacy in the national memory, were also released by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) to mark Saudi National Day.
Marking unification of Kingdom
National Day commemorates the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, following the unification efforts led by King Abdulaziz. The occasion provides an opportunity to recall the historical journey that brought together the country’s regions under a unified state.
Timeless Words from Saudi Leaders. #SaudiNationalDay | #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/CPcAmIlbcr
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) September 23, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s official narrative of the occasion highlights the establishment of security and stability and the subsequent development of national institutions. The 2026 National Day material also recalls King Abdulaziz’s leadership and the challenges involved in building a unified state on the Arabian Peninsula.
Celebrations across Saudi Arabia
National Day celebrations are taking place in cities and communities across Saudi Arabia from September 22 to 26. Activities include cultural performances, entertainment programmes, sporting events, exhibitions, traditional arts and family activities.
In the capital, Riyadh, landmarks and building facades were lit in green while lights along major roads, including King Fahd Road, added to the capital’s festive nighttime scene, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The Saudi Ardah: A Heritage of Glory and Unity.#SaudiNationalDay | #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/iUWA27G5VC
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) September 23, 2026
The Saudi National Day is celebrated as a national holiday for the private and public sectors and schools.
The Riyadh Municipality had decorated streets and public squares with more than 12,000 flags in Riyadh city and over 53,000 flags in the region’s cities and governorates, bringing the total to more than 65,000 flags.
The Municipality also completed its preparations for Saudi National Day celebrations under a comprehensive field plan covering the capital and the region’s cities and governorates with the plan including a range of events and programs reflecting the significance of the national occasion, SPA reported.
From Deep Roots to Sky-High Ambition: Saudi Arabia Celebrates National Day.#SaudiNationalDay#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/GqoGDdjvJC
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) September 23, 2026
In Al-Ahsa, preparations included the installation of more than 5,000 flags, 1,200 lighting-pole banners and 600 decorative structures across roads and public spaces. The programme features musical performances, art activities, traditional crafts, sporting events and family entertainment.
In Jeddah, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces staged maritime displays along the Red Sea coast, while Border Guard units participated in land and sea parades.
Schools under the General Administration of Education in Jazan Region also celebrated Saudi National Day in a patriotic atmosphere, reflecting values of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership.
The administration noted that celebrating the occasion helps reinforce national values among students and deepen their connection to Saudi history, the country’s development journey, and its ambitious vision through various programmes and student activities that foster pride and belonging to the homeland, the SPA reported.
Celebrations also took place in Yanbu, Abha and Al Birk. National Day events will continue in the Eastern Province with airshows in Al Khobar on September 26 and 27.
Culture and heritage in focus
Cultural heritage remains a major feature of the celebrations. The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran is holding a five-day programme from September 22 to 26, featuring 36 experiences combining Saudi heritage with contemporary cultural expression.
The programme includes workshops on traditional architecture, Saudi calligraphy, folk dances and musical traditions, including Ardah and Samri. The activities are intended to give visitors opportunities to explore the Kingdom’s cultural roots while reflecting on its future ambitions.
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Meanwhile, the King Salman Social Centre celebrated Saudi National Day drawing on values such as authenticity, heritage, hospitality, generosity, chivalry, and strength, with about 1,700 people from various age groups in attendance.
The centre offered visitors a diverse national experience across its facilities and spaces, combining history, culture, health, sports, arts, and entertainment. The event featured the participation of government, educational, cultural, sports, and health entities, along with non-profit organisations and local projects, creating a patriotic and community-oriented atmosphere that brought families together.
National identity and future ambitions
The 96th National Day is also being observed against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing development programme under Saudi Vision 2030.
The celebrations extend beyond cultural and entertainment activities. Saudi Border Guard units are participating with land and maritime displays, including parades, naval vessels, boats and other equipment, alongside awareness exhibitions and national musical performances.
