We all love the excitement and energy that comes with national celebrations, and Saudi Arabia National Day is no exception. Celebrated every year on September 23, this holiday brings the entire nation together. This year, the celebration continues from traditional folk dances and cultural performances to dazzling musical concerts and art exhibitions. If you're looking for the perfect time to visit this country, then Saudi Arabia National Day 2025 is ideal to witness its rich heritage and festive spirit firsthand. In this blog, we have mentioned history, significance and top things to do this year. Read on!
History and Significance of Saudi Arabia National Day
Saudi Arabia National Day marks the day in 1932 when King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud officially united the country and founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The journey began in 1902 when he recaptured Riyadh and gradually brought different regions together to form one nation. This special day is quite important for citizens of Saudi as it celebrates the unity, strength and vision that built modern Saudi Arabia. It reminds people of their shared history, culture, and the progress Saudi Arabia has made since its foundation.
Saudi citizens always look forward to this special occasion as it is an opportunity for them to take a break from their work and get together with family and friends on a two-day public holiday. To make you well informed how this festival is celebrated, here are the activities or events that you can look forward to.
- Embrace Tradition with Folk Dances
- Attend AlUla Music Festival for Mesmerizing Arabian Vibes
- Explore Heritage Villages & Cultural Exhibits
- Poetry Recitations: Admire the Emotions Behind the Words
- Saudi Hawks Air Show: Get the Surge of Adrenaline Rush
- See Fireworks & Drone Light Show in Riyadh
1. Embrace Tradition with Folk Dances
The folk dance is one of the most amazing parts of the celebration which is inspired by “one nation” that presents five different dances from the main regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The beautiful folk dances are the symbols of the great culture and heritage of this nation. One of the most famous dance forms performed during the occasion is Ardah. It is performed by men dressed in traditional attire, characterized by coordinated movements and lively music. So, what are you waiting for? Plan to visit this fascinating Saudi Arabia National day celebration for a memorable experience.
2. Attend AlUla Music Festival for Mesmerizing Arabian Vibes
There are several amazing dusks to dawn music concerts arranged on this day with traditional songs and dances that bring mesmerizing Arabian vibes. However, one thing that people can’t wait for is Azimuth 2025, which is a part of the National Day Saudi Arabia 2025 celebrations. The festival’s presale tickets are available from SAR 960.Slated to take place from 25th to 26th September 2025, you can expect to find Tala Mortada, Zeina, Hifi, Nesta dn many more artists performing on these dates. The official artists list is yet to be announced.
3. Explore Heritage Villages & Museums
On Saudi Arabia National Day 2025, you can also explore heritage villages, such as Ushaiger that offer immersive experiences in calligraphy, weaving, pottery, live storytelling, local cuisine and traditional Saudi folk performances in Riyadh. Additionally, you can visit the National Museum in Riyadh which showcases artifacts offering insights into the rich traditions and history of the region.
Apart from this, participating in workshops is also a great idea. You can engage in workshops and learn different skills, such as calligraphy and pottery making.
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4. Poetry Recitations: Admire the Emotions Behind the Words
Poetry recitations are also very popular on Saudi National Day and are also the mother form of language in Saudi society. Presenting Arabic culture, including Arabic literature is the main goal of the poets here. Hearing beautiful poems full of positive vibes and energy is one of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia. So, don’t miss this exciting chance to experience these amazing poetry recitations in Saudi Arabia.
5. Saudi Hawks Air Show: Get the Surge of Adrenaline Rush
Watching the spectacular air show with civil aircraft and jetfighters is the best thing you can experience during Saudi Arabia National Day, Riyadh celebration. It is among the largest air shows in the history of Saudi Arabia and are viewed from Khobar Corniche, Um Ajlan Park in Riyadh. This Saudi Hawks Air Show makes Khobar Corniche one of the best places to visit in Riyadh. So, don’t wait anymore and plan your visit to Riyadh for a great experience.
6. See Fireworks & Drone Light Show in Riyadh
This is the most exciting activity to look out for on Saudi Independence Day. These aerial fireworks are very special and absolutely amazing. The sparkling lights here will give you the most mesmerizing and memorable experience that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Hence, don’t miss visiting this place and watching fireworks and celebrating the national day as this is one of the best things to enjoy with your loved ones.
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All You Need to Know About the Saudi Flag and Symbolism
There are several places to visit in Saudi Arabia where the KSA National Day sees huge celebration. As green color is the dominant color of the Saudi Arabian flag, this color is also the recurring theme in National Day here. The white calligraphy on green background of the Saudi flag says, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”. Moreover, the primary color of flag is also the symbol of Islam and is believed to be the favorite color of the Prophet Muhammad. A sword just under the inscription symbolizes King Abdul Aziz who is the first sovereign of the KSA.
Hence, if you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia, then this is the best time as Saudi Arabia National Day is nearby. Folklore dances, festivals and several cultural activities will give you the most colorful experience. This is the time when the whole country is decorated with Saudi flags and green balloons making this day more special. So, make a plan to visit Saudi Arabia and avail yourself of the best Saudi Arabia tour packages for a memorable experience with your loved ones.
Saudi Arabia National Day - FAQs
The Saudi Arabia National Day is celebrated on September 23d every year. The whole country celebrates this day with several exciting activities to spread a positive vibe and make this day a memorable one.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates this special occasion with several activities, including -
- Folk dance
- Musical Concerts
- Poetry Recitations
- Fireworks & Drone Light Show
Green color is the dominant color of Saudi Arabia and is the recurring theme on KSA National Day. The white calligraphy on the green background of the Saudi flag says, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”
These spectacular airshows with civil aircraft and jetfighters can be viewed from Khobar Corniche in Riyadh. This is one of the largest airshows in the kingdom’s history and is a lifetime experience.
This day marks the 1932 decree which was issued by King Abdul Aziz, which renamed the kingdom of Hejaz and Najd as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This unification of the kingdom was done on 21st of Jumada Al Awwal in 1352 which corresponds to September 23, 1932.
