Saudi Arabia will celebrate its 96th National Day on September 23, 2026, bringing one of the Kingdom’s biggest annual celebrations to cities and communities across the country. For those living in Saudi Arabia, National Day is hard to miss, with streets and landmarks illuminated in green and a packed schedule of fireworks, concerts, cultural activities, and family entertainment. This year’s official theme, “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” highlights values associated with Saudi culture and society, with celebrations ranging from horse racing in Taif and live music in AlUla to fireworks, air shows, and cultural activities across the Kingdom.
Taif: Saudi National Day Cup Race Night
The National Day Cup Race Night will close out the 2026 Taif Racing Season at the historic King Khalid Racecourse. The evening will feature the National Day Cup for Thoroughbreds alongside additional races, with grandstand seating and trackside viewing available to general admission guests. Away from the track, visitors can enjoy live music, a night food market, family entertainment, competitions, and opportunities to win prizes.
Dates: September 26, 2026, 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: King Khalid Racecourse, Taif
Tickets: Free general admission
More Information: https://www.jcsa.sa/en/events/taif020
Diriyah: National Day Celebrations
Diriyah traditionally marks Saudi National Day with cultural activities centered on Saudi and Najdi heritage. Last year’s program included Arabic calligraphy and Ardha workshops, henna art, Saudi coffee, children’s activities, and live Saudi music and Al-Samri performances. The historic setting, centered around Bujairi Terrace, also makes Diriyah a popular destination during the National Day period for visitors interested in learning more about the Kingdom’s history and cultural traditions.
Dates: National Day period, with 2026 programming to be announced
Location: Diriyah, Riyadh
More Information: https://www.diriyah.sa/en/
AlUla: AZIMUTH
AZIMUTH is AlUla’s annual music and arts festival held around the National Day holiday, bringing Saudi, regional, and international performers to the desert landscape for two nights of music and visual experiences. Performances run from evening until early morning, with the festival taking place among AlUla’s sandstone formations.
Dates: typically a two-night weekend event aligned with National Day (typically announced)
Location: AlUla
Tickets: starting from SAR 25
Tickets and More Information: https://www.experiencealula.com/en/whats-on/events/azimuth
Across the Kingdom: Fireworks and Air Shows
Fireworks and air shows are a regular feature of Saudi National Day celebrations, with major cities hosting public displays during the holiday. In previous years, Riyadh’s fireworks have been held at locations including Boulevard City, Umm Ajlan Park, and the MDLBEAST Arena, while the Royal Saudi Air Force and Saudi Hawks have staged aerial displays over cities around the Kingdom.
Dates: National Day period, with 2026 schedules to be announced
Location: Multiple cities across Saudi Arabia
More Information: https://gea.gov.sa/nd
