Every year on September 23, Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day, marking the historic unification of the Kingdom in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. From fireworks and air shows to traditional music and cultural festivals, the entire country lights up in green and white to honor its heritage, pride, and progress.
But beyond the public celebrations are the personal moments that make this day truly special. Family gatherings, street parades, regional traditions, and quiet acts of patriotism. In this photo story, we explore how locals and travelers across Saudi Arabia experience Saudi National Day, offering a glimpse into the heart of the nation through their own words and lenses.
Why is 23 September Saudi National Day?
23rd September marks the 1932 royal decree by King Abdulaziz that unified the Kingdom, renaming the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its dependencies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The proclamation was read in Makkah on 23 September 1932, and the date later became an annual public holiday celebrating national unity and identity.
Riyadh: Capital of Pride and Parades
In Riyadh, the celebrations are grand. Fireworks light up the sky, families picnic under glowing towers, and live concerts bring communities together at Boulevard Riyadh City.
Where Riyadh Celebrates National Day
Main events in Riyadh usually happen at:
- Boulevard Riyadh City: Concerts, fireworks, and family shows
- KAFD: Air shows and major fireworks displays
- Diriyah: Traditional performances and heritage celebrations
- Boulevard World: Immersive zones, food, and live entertainment
- King Fahd Road: Parades and LED-lit car gatherings
- Public Parks: Family activities, pop-up markets, and light shows
Jeddah: Corniche Vibes and Family Fun
In the coastal city of Jeddah, National Day takes on a more relaxed, seaside tone. Families gather at the Corniche, enjoy camel rides, and watch drone shows reflect over the Red Sea.
Where Jeddah Celebrates National Day
- Jeddah Waterfront (Corniche): Fireworks, flypasts, light projections, and family zones along the promenade
- King Fahd Fountain & King Abdullah Square (Flagpole): Iconic photo spots lit in green with music and community gatherings
- Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad): Heritage performances, traditional crafts, and night-time walking tours through restored lanes
- Prince Majid Park: Family activities, food stalls, and cultural shows in a spacious green setting
- Red Sea Mall & Jeddah Park Mall: Indoor performances, themed décor, and kid-friendly workshops
- Public Beaches (North Obhur & South Corniche): Car parades with flags, picnic setups, and waterfront photo ops
AlUla: Oasis of Heritage and Stars
In AlUla, celebrations feel intimate and timeless. Sandstone cliffs glow under evening lights, date palms rustle, and locals share stories of the valley’s history. It’s a place where National Day blends culture, landscape, and stargazing.
Where AlUla Celebrates National Day
- AlUla Old Town & Oasis: Traditional music, market stalls, and lantern-lit alleys perfect for photography
- Maraya Area (programmed events): Special concerts, cultural showcases, and curated experiences (advance tickets often required)
- Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) Viewing Areas: Family picnics, green-themed illuminations nearby, and night-sky backdrops
- Winter Park: Food trucks, kids’ activities, and community performances in a central, accessible space
- Hegra Visitor Zones (designated areas): Heritage storytelling, guided experiences, and patriotic displays respecting site guidelines
Abha: Mountain Breezes and Cultural Rhythms
Abha’s cool highland air adds a festive lift to National Day. Folk dances echo from plazas, jacaranda-lined streets shimmer with green lighting, and viewpoints turn into open-air living rooms for families and friends. In 2023, Abha lit up with what organizers billed as the largest laser show ever, spanning roughly 30 km² across the city, an epic moment locals still talk about.
Where Abha Celebrates National Day
- Al Soudah & Mountain Viewpoints: Panoramic overlooks for fireworks watching and flag-filled photo moments
- High City (Abha Al Aliyah): Café terraces buzzing with live music, face painting, and citywide views
- Al Muftaha Village: Art exhibitions, folk performances, and heritage crafts in a beloved cultural hub
- Art Street (Prince Sultan Road): Light installations, food carts, and strolling bands amid colorful murals
- Abha Dam Lake Park: Lakeside picnics, kids’ play zones, and evening light shows
Taif: City of Roses and Cool Escapes
In Taif, rose-scented breezes meet festive lights. Families ride the cable cars, musicians play near historic palaces, and parks fill with picnics as cool mountain air sets the tone for a relaxed, joyful night.
Where Taif Celebrates National Day
- Al Rudaf Park: Musical fountains, fireworks vantage points, and picnic lawns with vendor stalls
- Shubra Palace: Heritage shows, traditional costumes, and photo ops by the historic façade
- Souq Okaz (seasonal area): Poetry, re-enactments, and cultural performances tied to the region’s storied past
- King Fahd Park: Family entertainment, kids’ zones, and community parades
- King Khalid Racecourse: National Day Cup race night on the holiday weekend, with the King Faisal Cup the day before; ticketed grandstands, family zones, and trackside photo ops.
Sharqiyah: Seaside Energy by the Gulf
Along the Gulf coast, National Day means waterfront lights, family strolls, and green-lit landmarks. Crowds gather across Dammam, Khobar, and Dhahran for concerts, air displays, and fireworks mirrored on the water.
Where Sharqiyah Celebrates National Day
- Dammam Corniche & Water Tower (Al Marjan Island): Fireworks, light projections, family zones, and picnic-friendly lawns.
- Khobar Corniche: Flypasts over the waterfront, classic-car parades, promenade stages, and bridges glowing green.
- Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), Dhahran: Cultural performances, interactive workshops, and striking night-time illuminations.
- Half Moon Bay: Beach gatherings, food trucks, and starlit celebrations along the crescent shore.
- King Abdullah Park & Seafront Plazas (Dammam): Community shows, kids’ activities, and pop-up markets by the water.
- Ajdan Walk & Downtown Khobar: Live music, themed café décor, and National Day mural backdrops for quick portraits.
A Nation’s Story in Every Frame
Saudi National Day is a living, breathing expression of identity, seen in fireworks, dances, traditions, and quiet moments of pride. Whether you're in a bustling city or a mountain village, the spirit is the same: unity, heritage, and a shared future.
And sometimes, all it takes to tell that story... is a photo.