September 23, 2024, marked a significant day of joy, pride, and unity as citizens throughout Saudi Arabia filled the streets in celebration of the Kingdom’s 94th National Day. The streets were filled with families and children, all proudly displaying the Saudi national flag. The day’s festivities, organized by various local authorities, included an array of parades, cultural exhibitions, art displays, and fireworks, creating a jubilant atmosphere from Jeddah to Riyadh and beyond.
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A Grand Celebration in Jeddah
The Royal Guard Presidency spearheaded the celebration in Jeddah, with Maj. Gen. Suleiman Al-Hudhaili, commander of the Royal Guard Group in the Western Region, presiding over the event. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the celebration was an extraordinary display of Saudi pride, featuring musical performances that echoed the nation’s melodies, alongside a motorcycle parade and an impressive Honor Guard show. The official ceremony commenced with the national anthem and a recitation of verses from the Qur’an, setting a reverent tone for the day.
The audience was then treated to a captivating operetta titled “And Blessings,” presented by the students of Dar Al-Tarbia Al-Hadetha School. Following this, a documentary film highlighting the significance of National Day was shown, along with a special film produced by the Royal Guard. Attendees were further moved by heartfelt poems and stirring national melodies that fostered a sense of unity and national pride among the crowds.
Fireworks and Parades Across the Kingdom
The General Entertainment Authority ensured the day ended with a spectacular finale by organizing fireworks displays across the Kingdom. From Riyadh to Jeddah, and in cities like AlKhobar, Buraidah, Tabuk, Madinah, Abha, Hail, and beyond, the night sky was illuminated with dazzling colors, delighting families and children who watched in awe.
In addition to the fireworks, a bicycle parade in Yanbu was one of the highlights of the day. The parade featured 130 cyclists proudly waving the Saudi flag as they cycled from the Royal Commission in Yanbu Industrial City to the historic district in Yanbu Al-Bahr. Yanbu Governor Saad bin Marzouq Al-Suhaimi, along with local government officials and numerous cycling enthusiasts, attended the event. The parade also involved local security forces, industrial security personnel from the commission, and 21 volunteers, all showing their enthusiasm for National Day.
Cultural and Artistic Displays in Jazan and Beyond
In the southern coastal region of Jazan, the municipality organized a series of lively events along the 450-meter cultural street. The street, lined with shaded pathways and adorned with decorative motifs of the national flag, became the center of the city’s celebrations. Locals, many accompanied by their children, enjoyed a range of cultural exhibitions, shows, and parades organized by local associations in partnership with the Ministry of Sports. The area featured art stations where visitors could admire national-themed artwork that symbolized patriotism, allegiance, and admiration for the nation’s leadership.
Families in Madinah also experienced a similar festive spirit, gathering in parks and squares for events held under the slogan “We Dream, We Achieve.” Activities included performances and cultural programs that kept attendees entertained throughout the day.
Hail, Tabuk, and the Northern Borders Celebrate in Style
In Hail and Tabuk, the streets were alive with children wrapped in the colors of the Saudi flag, joined by their families in various public spaces. These festivities, organized by local municipalities, brought communities together to celebrate the nation’s history and achievements.
In the Northern Borders region, celebrations were equally vibrant. More than 6,000 Saudi flags were raised in public parks, gardens, and city squares, while 650 advertising boards adorned the cities with congratulatory messages and reminders of the country’s national heritage. The city of Arar, in particular, was a focal point for festivities, with the municipality hosting entertainment and cultural events in the popular Arar Water Tower Park.
A Unified Display of Patriotism
The 94th Saudi National Day celebrations were a heartfelt expression of unity, pride, and national identity. From the vibrant streets of Jazan to the historic districts of Yanbu and the illuminated skies over Riyadh, families across the Kingdom came together to rejoice in their shared heritage. As fireworks lit up the night, the Kingdom’s citizens reflected on their nation’s journey, united by a sense of pride and hope for the future.
