Saudi Arabia Celebrates 95th National Day
with Spectacular Concerts, Military Shows, and Nationwide Festivities
By Alhanouf Mohammed Alrowaili
Riyadh, September 23, 2025 – Saudi Arabia is celebrating its 95th National Day with an unprecedented lineup of cultural, musical, and military events across the Kingdom, reflecting national pride, unity, and the country’s growing stature on the global stage. The festivities, organized by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in collaboration with various government bodies, aim to offer citizens and residents an unforgettable experience filled with patriotism and joy.
Star-Studded Concerts Across the Kingdom
A series of high-profile concerts began on September 22, featuring a lineup of the Arab world’s most beloved artists. Superstar Ahlam opened the celebrations with a performance at Dhahran Expo, conducted by maestro Medhat Khamis. Meanwhile, in Jeddah, Fouad Abdelwahed and Omaima Taleb delivered a night of classic and contemporary hits at the Abadi Al Johar Arena.
On National Day itself (September 23), legendary Saudi singer Abadi Al Johar will headline a concert at Qassim University, joined by rising star Nawaf Al Jabarti under the direction of maestro Amir Abdel Majeed. The musical celebrations will conclude on September 24, with acclaimed artist Assala Nasri taking the stage at the Engineer Mohammed bin Saad Al Bawardi Theater in Shaqra, accompanied by maestro Tamer Fayed, delivering a soulful performance to mark the occasion.
“Izz Al-Watan” A Grand Tribute by the Ministry of Interior
In partnership with the GEA, the Ministry of Interior is hosting the signature event “Izz Al-Watan” on September 22 and 23 at the Binban area in Riyadh, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The event showcases a comprehensive national program that highlights the Ministry’s role in safeguarding the nation and serving its people, aligned with the broader goals of Vision 2030. At the heart of the program are live military displays, taking place nightly at 8:00 p.m., featuring tactical demonstrations by various sectors of the Ministry. These visually captivating performances will be accompanied by a military orchestra, blending precision with patriotic melodies rooted in the Kingdom’s cultural memory.
At 9:00 p.m., fireworks will light up the skies, delivering messages of unity and pride. Visitors will also enjoy a wide range of activities, including immersive exhibits showcasing the Ministry’s digital platforms, most notably Absher, alongside awareness exhibitions in road safety, cybersecurity, and civil defense.
The event also includes national-themed operettas, stage shows, interactive zones, and a military theater performance that blends drama, music, and modern production in what is being described as the first of its kind in the Kingdom. Visitors can engage in simulated military operations, live shooting experiences, and enjoy a selection of Saudi cuisine at designated food courts.
Air Shows, Naval Displays, and Fireworks Nationwide
Adding to the celebration, Chairman of the GEA, HE Turki Alalshikh, announced a Kingdom-wide schedule of aerial, naval, and ground displays. These will be held across multiple regions in partnership with entities including the Royal Guard, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, National Guard, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and Saudi Arabian Airlines, among others.
Air shows will paint the skies with the colors of the national flag through dazzling aerobatic maneuvers, while naval parades featuring frigates and patrol boats will take place along Saudi shores. These displays will be accompanied by musical parades and vehicle exhibitions, forming an integrated celebration of national identity.
A synchronized fireworks show is set to launch at 9:00 p.m. on September 23 across 14 cities, creating a unified national spectacle. Riyadh’s main show will take place in Binban, while other cities such as Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Abha, Tabuk, Buraidah, and Najran will host local displays at iconic venues, offering citizens across the Kingdom a chance to participate in the celebrations.