Saudi Arabia was once known as the Kingdom of Najd and Hijaz before being renamed HOUSE OF SAUD. In 1332, King Aziz Ibn Saud issued a royal decree which led to this change in name. This symbolizes the unity of Saudi Arabia’s people today. Every year since 2005, Saudi Arabians celebrate their national day on September 23rd with festivities including parades for children, fireworks displays and concerts featuring popular singers from across the country.
Before that, Saudi Arabia only celebrated religious festivals, Eid and Hajj, as public holidays. Since King Abdullah took power however- everything changed for the better. One of these changes was National Day; which now receives more attention every year from its people celebrating it with festivities such as concerts or fireworks displays.
Is Saudi National Day A Public Holiday?
National Day in Saudi Arabia, SEPTEMBER 23 2022, known as Al-Youm Al-WATANY. It is a public holiday. All government and private sectors are also closed on this day. But if the National Day falls on a Saturday then Sunday will be considered as well. If it falls on Friday then Monday or Tuesday would have to be celebrated too, but if another holiday coincides with these days of vacations then there will only be one additional vacation taken for compensatory purposes.
How Saudi Citizens Celebrates this Day:
On this date, people commemorate Saudi Arabia’s first statehood which took place in 1932. Furthermore, they celebrate the narratives and values of its creation that were passed down from generation to generation. However, it is on NATIONAL DAY where one can truly appreciate these great tales and see how much has been sacrificed for their country’s freedom.
This also provides another chance for citizens to pledge their loyalty to their homeland and rededicate themselves to the King of Saudi Arabia.
On this day, Saudis take time out of their busy schedules to think about how they could integrate the system into the Modern State of Saudi Arabia. They do so respectfully, showing love and appreciation for the country and its leadership for doing so much for everyone in both development and construction projects over many years.
In addition, this day is an opportunity for all of us to unite together as one under Vision 2030 – a way to start achieving the successes we all desire and need. Therefore, all those residing in Saudi Arabia who are involved in public, private or nonprofit enterprises should strive towards attaining these goals – because there is no such thing as too much when it comes to meeting society’s demands.
Furthermore, different types of festivities are celebrated every year. Nevertheless, on this day it is popular among locals to go out and enjoy themselves at designated areas such as city plazas, parks, beaches, tourist spots or even outdoor fields – while also attending organized events that may include live performances and food fairs where they can spend time together with family and friends.
- Public events and entertainment programs geared towards children
- Monuments of culture and culture.
- Historical photographs of moments in history through the eyes of different artists
- From exhibitions of movies to educational projects, there are many things you can do in this country.
- Displays night time laser shows and firework displays.
- Planes display and perform acrobatics.
- Plays are performed on stage.
- My favorite tourist destination was the Heritage Tour of my hometown.
- Late Night Deals. Saudis can get domestic tickets for only 92 or 190 Riyals
- School exhibitions and activities were always fun.
Past And Future Observance Of Saudia‘s National Day Dates:
YEAR | DATE | DAY OF THE WEEK | OFFICIAL HOLIDAY NAME |
2014 | September, 23rd | TUESDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2015 | September, 23rd | WEDNESDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2016 | September, 23rd | FRIDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2017 | September, 23rd | SUNDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2018 | September, 23rd | SUNDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2019 | September, 23rd | MONDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2020 | September, 23rd | WEDNESDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2021 | September, 23rd | THURSDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2022 | September, 23rd | SATURDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2023 | September, 23rd | SATURDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
2024 | September, 23rd | MONDAY | SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY |
History Of Saudi National Day:
Ottoman Turks successfully managed to overtake most of the Middle Eastern countries. But then, due to WW1, their empire crumbled in the 16th century; which created the space for Saudi Arabia’s growth – they were able to establish themselves as an emerging power at this time.
Furthermore, King Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) had recovered his family’s home town of Riyadh back in 1902. This had been the start of a new era for him. Yet, In 1903, he took control of Al-Hasa after 30 years of conquest in the area.
In 1925, King Abdulaziz conquered Western Arabia and only one year later he became the king of Western Arabia.
King Abdulaziz ruled over both Najd and Hijaz separately for the next 5 years. He was also able to accomplish much during this time and gain significant ground in controlling Central Arabia. King Abdulaziz then consolidated his territories and renamed House of Najd to his family name House of Saudi Arabia or Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
September 23rd has been recognized as a National Day in Saudi Arabia, renamed the Kingdom. Previously however, it wasn’t celebrated on a national level. In 2005, September 23rd became a public holiday – an acknowledgment of its importance amongst Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
When Will Saudi Arabia Celebrate Its 92nd National Day?
Saudi Arabia will celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of its National Day on September 23rd, 2022. But National Day (Al-Yawm Al-Watani) commemorates the unity between Bedouin tribes, sultans, small kingdoms and emirates that share an area of land at the Southern corner of Saudi Arabia stretching from the Red Sea all the way to Persia Gulf. On this day, young Saudis can dress up according to their moods. So whether it’s something cheerful or somber – children are free to go out and play in the garden or even by themselves if they wish.
Saudi National Day And Saudi Flag Symbolism:
Green is a recurrent theme for this Day, as it is the dominant color of the Saudi flag. The Saudi flag has white Arabic calligraphy on a green background that reads Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, which translates to There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger – a common phrase repeated in daily prayer across all Muslim cultures. It’s also noteworthy that Saudia Arabia falls into this category with its power and religious significance.
Below the inscription are three small swords that are representative of King Abdul Aziz. The large amount of green in the design means Islam, and was also one of Prophet Muhammad’s favourite colours.
However, just like many other flags from countries around the world, the Saudi flag embodies the great history of this nation while also reflecting its elevated philosophical views and national pride. On National Day, it will be hard to go without seeing some one in green attire or even more so without seeing a large number of green flags waving proudly in celebration all over town.
Saudi National Day Related Queries:
WHEN IS SAUDI NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates the 91st anniversary of its National Day on September 23, 2021. Originally it was just a celebration commemorating the unification between Bedouin tribes but eventually expanded to include people around an expansive area in the Arabian Peninsula stretching from Yemen to Iran.
HOW IS THE SAUDI NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED?
During the celebration of National Day, light shows and cultural exhibits are put on for visitors to enjoy in the country’s capital. Furthermore, locals take advantage of this opportunity for good deals at malls, hotels, restaurants and other establishments.
HAS THE NATIONAL DAY ALWAYS BEEN CELEBRATED IN KSA?
As of 2005, Saudi Arabia now celebrates National Day on September 23rd with festivities. Before then, only religious holidays such as Eid and Hajj were celebrated by the people.