On September 23, 2021, Saudi Arabia will celebrate its 91st annual National Day commemorating the birth of the modern Saudi nation. The theme and slogan for this year’s National Day is “Heya Lana Dar,” which means “Saudi is Our Home,” inspired by traditional Saudi poems and folk songs about home and appreciation for the things that make Saudi Arabia feel like home to so many people. The color green is included in every decoration set up for this day, representing the color of the country’s flag and reflecting the symbolism of the color in Islam. Expect to see squares, streets, roads, universities, schools, public and private buildings, and cars throughout the country adorned with the Saudi flag. Many Saudis are given this day off of work, so people typically gather with friends, go out to eat, and enjoy the country’s special day.
Update: events have been announced for this year’s Saudi National Day! Make sure to have your Tawakkalna app available on your smart phone with your vaccination status to attend any of these events. Visit the Enjoy Saudi website for the full schedule of planned government events, Platinumlist Riyadh for listings of live shows and other private events, or see the list below:
- Where: Al Nahda Park & Ad Diriyah; fireworks visible from many other points in Riyadh as well. Fireworks are also planned at the same time in every other major city in Saudi Arabia.
- When: 9:00 pm
- Price: free
Abadi Al-Johar and Huda Al-Fahad: these acclaimed artists will be headlining National Day festivities with a live performance in Riyadh.
- When: 10:00 pm to 1:00 am, September 23rd
- Where: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University – Conference Center, Riyadh
- Note: children are not allowed to attend
Military Shows: a military parade in Riyadh organized by the Ministry of Interior, accompanied by an air show over the city.
- When: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, September 23rd
- Where: Riyadh Expo Center; also, Diriyah will host a performance by the royal marching band and a parade of horsemen and camels.
- Price: Free
Laylat Watan: series of operettas in Riyadh to celebrate National Day from a five-person group.
- When: September 23rd through 25th, 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm each night
- Where: King Fahad Cultural Center, Riyadh
- Price: starting from $82.40 USD (selling fast!)
Equestrian Competition: the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation’s best-known show, “The Jump Show,” a competition among 150 riders and their horses from all of the kingdom’s regions.
- When: September 23rd and 24th, starting at 4:00 pm
- Where: Malham, just northwest of Riyadh
- Price: $13.73 USD (selling fast!)
Aria Nights For National Day With Zaid Sharif: live music accompanied by a special food menu in addition to desserts and drinks
- When: 8:30 pm, September 23rd
- Where: Aria Lounge, Riyadh
- Price: $24.99 USD (selling fast!)
Aria Nights For National Day With Nawaf: live music accompanied by a special food menu in addition to desserts and drinks
- When: 8:30 pm, September 24th
- Where: Aria Lounge, Riyadh
- Price: $24.99 USD (selling fast!)
David Burke Restaurant National Day Celebration: enjoy dinner and a live performance by the Charlene & Black Gold Band with resident DJ
- When: 8:30 pm, September 23rd
- Where: David Burke Restaurant, Riyadh Front Mall
- Price: Entry for SR 75 – Includes 1 Mocktail; Dinner for SR 295
For merchandise, branding, and other National Day templates, visit the General Entertainment Authority’s National Day page.
Festivals & Parades
Photo Source: About Her
Parades: spontaneous parades are held in Riyadh through the city’s main boulevards, with Saudi flags lining the streets and throngs of people honking their horns, waving flags, blasting music, shouting in celebration, and dancing in the streets. Make sure to wear green, and if you plan on joining in the parade of cars, expect to be there for several hours! The festivities mostly start in the early evening just before sunset.
Photo Source: Arabian Business
Fireworks: every year, fireworks are launched from different points of the capital city. Riyadh is home to the country’s most extravagant fireworks displays which can be seen from pretty much anywhere. Laser/light shows typically accompany Riyadh’s fireworks shows at night.
Photo Source: Gulf News
Air shows: Riyadh also hosts flyovers of military aircraft every year during the day.
Livestream from Riyadh: This year, a livestream link will be set up by Saudi Entertainment Authority to showcase the events in Riyadh for everyone in the country. The link will be available on Enjoy Saudi’s website.
Restaurants & Shopping
Photo Source: https://hijazmalls.com
- Visit shopping malls in the days leading up to National Day to take advantage of the special discounts and deals available.
- Restaurants throughout the city will be offering special deals and dishes for National Day.
Exhibitions & Other Events
Photo Source: About Her
- Artistic displays will be visible around the city, headed by artists from all over the world.
- Heritage and cultural displays in Riyadh’s Dariyah Gate historical area are a familiar sight from past National Days.
- A number of concerts will be planned in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam from September 22nd to 26th, featuring performers from across the Arab World.
- Family-oriented events and fun programs for kids are also typically organized for National Day.
