The Emirates News Agency detailed how President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a cable of congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the occasion of the 96th National Day. Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other UAE officials extended their greetings to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This step reflects the longstanding fraternal bonds between the two countries, as outlined in the agency’s coverage.
The Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE is joining Saudi Arabia in celebrating 96th National Day through various expressions of solidarity and shared events. Such mutual observances have become a regular feature of diplomatic exchanges between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. The agency’s dispatch emphasized the depth of coordination across multiple sectors that underpins these annual commemorations.
Saudipedia figures show that Saudi National Day commemorates the 1932 unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz through a royal decree issued on September 23 of that year. The observance was formally designated as a national day in 1965 during the reign of King Faisal and elevated to a public holiday in 2005. It stands as one of three primary non-religious holidays in the Saudi calendar alongside Founding Day and Flag Day.
The General Entertainment Authority has outlined an extensive program of airshows, naval displays, military parades and fireworks to mark the 96th National Day across the Kingdom. Riyadh will host the centerpiece event on September 22 and 23 with live television coverage while Jeddah features displays by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces along the Red Sea coast. Fireworks displays will illuminate nine cities including Medina, Hail and Tabuk at 9pm on September 23.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture has scheduled a five-day program running from September 22 to 26 centered on the theme of heritage blended with modernity. Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the Ithra festival will present 36 experiences including Saudi films, open-air concerts and traditional folk dances such as the Ardah and Samri. Organizers expect the events to draw both local residents and international visitors to explore the Kingdom’s cultural evolution.
Organizers have also aligned the National Day with the opening of the Gulf Cup 27 football tournament in Jeddah on September 23, adding a major sporting element to the festivities. WeBook data places ticketed events ranging from concerts to theme park extensions across Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities throughout the holiday period. The holiday itself is observed as an official public holiday nationwide, enabling broad public participation in the scheduled activities.
