Saudi Arabia to celebrate 95th National Day on Sept 23 with public holiday

Saudi Arabia is preparing to mark its 95th National Day on September 23 with citizens and expatriates across the Kingdom set to observe the holiday with nationwide celebrations.

The day is observed annually to commemorate the royal decree issued in 1932 by the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz, which unified the regions of Najd and Hejaz under the name of Saudi Arabia. The first National Day celebration was held in 1965 during the reign of King Faisal, and in 2005 it was declared a permanent holiday by King Abdullah through a royal decree.

On this occasion, employees from both the public and private sectors are granted a day off, while schools, banks, and government offices also remain closed.

The 2025 celebration will be held under the theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” which aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity and natural environment.

According to the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), the theme reflects the inherent values of Saudi society, including generosity, ambition, courage, dignity, and hospitality — qualities that are seen in daily life and have made the Saudi citizen a source of national pride. The authority added that the theme also embodies the country’s drive toward achievement and the building of a future that matches the aspirations of both the Kingdom and its people.

Festivities will be staged across the country, with major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam hosting large-scale events. The program includes fireworks, drone displays, and aerial performances by the Saudi Hawks. Cultural activities such as traditional dances, folk performances, and exhibitions will also be part of the celebrations.

National Day has grown into one of the most prominent events in the Kingdom, uniting citizens and residents in collective expressions of pride and patriotism. Landmarks are often illuminated in green, while people across the country wear the national colors and wave the Saudi flag to honor the anniversary of the nation’s founding.