September 23 is Saudi National Day, a public holiday that commemorates the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. In 2026, the nation marks its 96th National Day, reflecting on a century of unity, progress and national identity under the leadership of the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.
On 17 Jumada I 1351 AH (corresponding to 19 September 1932), King Abdulaziz issued a royal decree renaming the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its Dependencies as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The proclamation took effect on 23 September 1932. This historic act crowned decades of unification efforts that began with the recapture of Riyadh in 1902 and brought together diverse regions of the Arabian Peninsula under one flag, one name and one destiny.
The day was formally designated as Saudi National Day by King Faisal in 1965 and became an official public holiday under King Abdullah in 2005. It remains one of the Kingdom’s principal non-religious national observances, alongside Founding Day and Flag Day.
2026 Celebrations Across the Kingdom
This year’s celebrations are taking place under the official theme “Our Pride Is Our Nature” (or “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature”), unveiled by the General Entertainment Authority. The slogan highlights national pride rooted in the country’s heritage, people and natural identity.
Riyadh: The main multi-sector National Day show is being held on 22–23 September at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre in Malham. Gates open at 2:00 p.m., with the programme starting at 4:00 p.m. Highlights feature a Royal Guard of Honour parade, Ministry of National Guard helicopter formations, a Security Aviation helicopter carrying the Saudi flag, and participation by Riyadh Air with a Boeing 787. Live coverage is broadcast on Saudi television.
Jeddah: Naval displays by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces along the Red Sea coast, plus Border Guard land and maritime parades at ROSHN Waterfront Corniche.
Other cities: Border Guard parades and displays in Yanbu, Abha, Al-Birk and additional locations.
Fireworks: Simultaneous fireworks displays at 9:00 p.m. on 23 September in nine cities — Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Madinah, Jeddah, Hail, Arar, Al-Baha, Tabuk and Buraidah.
Eastern Province: Additional airshows planned for Al-Khobar Waterfront on 26–27 September.
Cultural institutions such as Ithra are offering special programmes exploring heritage, modernity, traditional dances (Arda, Samri and others), calligraphy, film and interactive experiences.
Saudi National Day is more than a historical anniversary. It is an opportunity for citizens and residents to celebrate the Kingdom’s journey from unification to a modern nation advancing under Vision 2030. Under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, the country continues to pursue economic diversification, social development, infrastructure growth and an enhanced global role.
Public buildings and streets are decorated with the green-and-white national colours. People wear traditional attire or national-themed clothing, raise the Saudi flag, and take part in community events, folk performances and family gatherings.
As Saudi Arabia observes its 96th National Day, the focus remains on unity, pride in the founding legacy of King Abdulaziz, and confidence in the nation’s continuing progress. The celebrations reaffirm a shared identity built on history, resilience and ambition for the future.