Royal Saudi Air Force jets will perform an aerial show above Jeddah on Saturday as part of the Saudi National Day celebrations.
Events to mark the occasion began across the kingdom on Wednesday and will carry on until Sunday.
Saturday will be an official holiday for the private and public sectors, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced.
Schools and universities will be given an additional day off on Sunday.
A military parade was held in Riyadh on Thursday, with the participation of the Ministry of Interior.
The government has organised a military march and air shows in cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Al Baha, Tabuk, Abha, Dhahran, Al Jawf, Al Ahsa, Khamis Mushait, Al Khobar and Dammam.
The 93rd National Day celebrations aim to reflect the "pride in the kingdom's present and the achievements it has achieved to build the future in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030", the Saudi Press Agency reported.
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Celebrations for Saudi Arabia's 93rd National Day get under way in the north-western city of Tabuk. SPA -
The children of Tabuk, like their counterparts in other Saudi cities, can expect a National Day of fireworks and flypasts. SPA -
Tabuk’s children wear the green and white of Saudi Arabia as part of their National Day celebrations. SPA -
Young Saudis in Tabuk are not only celebrating the 93rd National Day but marking a time of momentous change that shapes their future. SPA -
Tabuk’s children join their families in celebrating the 93rd National Day. SPA -
In Tabuk, the enthusiasm of children is infectious on National Day. SPA -
National Day celebrations on September 23 mark the establishment of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Arabic as its language and the Quran as its constitution. SPA -
Smiles and flags as Tabuk’s children celebrate National Day. SPA -
Saudi Arabians joined King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister, in celebrating the anniversary of their country's founding on September 23. Mariam Nihal / The National -
Shops in Jeddah are full of National Day merchandise and decorations. Mariam Nihal / The National -
National Day became an official holiday in 2005. Mariam Nihal / The National -
A Starbucks cup rebranded for Saudi Arabia's National Day. Mariam Nihal / The National -
As Saudi citizens celebrate, world leaders sent their congratulations. Mariam Nihal / The National -
While the shops are stocked with National Day memorabilia, military parades and an arms exhibition are planned in Saudi Arabia's biggest cities. Mariam Nihal / The National -
Streets, schools, universities, public and private spaces will be displaying the national flag, and green will be worn everywhere. Mariam Nihal / The National -
The hashtag #Saudi National Day is trending on social media channels. Mariam Nihal / The National -
Saudi children are participating in National Day celebrations in malls across the kingdom. Mariam Nihal / The National -
September 23 is an official national holiday in Saudi Arabia for the private and public sector. Mariam Nihal / The National
Roads, billboards, malls and offices across the kingdom have been decorated with the Saudi flag and traditional motifs.
"Today we celebrated with a beautiful Saudi dance and musical performance in our office. We had Saudi coffee, dates and desserts during the afternoon," said Nabil Alfaiz, 36, a marketing executive in Riyadh.
"I plan to celebrate with the family as my wife and children also have a National Day holiday."
'First Ronaldo, now Neymar'
As Saudis and residents celebrate National Day, some have reflected on major milestones reached during the past year.
Saudi Pro League clubs have attracted global talent to the kingdom – capturing the imagination of supporters at home and abroad.
"This year has been very special to me as I am a football fan. First [Cristiano] Ronaldo joined us and this year Neymar. I am a big fan of them and very happy to celebrate this year as we one of the best football leagues in the world," said Amir Hashim, 15, who lives in Jeddah.
The theme of this year's celebrations is "This is Our Home".
“Our dreams have not stopped since the foundation of this kingdom and we will work to achieve them as long as we live. Let’s celebrate our accomplishments,” said a statement on the National Day website.
People have thronged to malls to take advantage of sales and find items to help them mark the occasion.
"The malls are full of life as you can hear the national songs being played all day. Malls are crowded as schools and public offices have holidays," said Nahla Eman, 37, a Saudi saleswoman in Jeddah.
Another saleswoman, Umm Talal, said her shop green abayas have been popular this year.
"We ordered more stock to fill the growing demand. It is a busy season and full of activities," she said.
Military and biker parades
Military events, a biker parade and an arms exhibition have been among the nationwide celebrations.
"I went on Wednesday to see the air show on the Corniche with my sisters," said Maha Abdullah, 28, in Jeddah.
"We love coming out on National Day. We dress up in green dresses and abayas. It's good to see all the cars decorated with flags and people enjoying this day to celebrate our nation and leadership."
The eastern and western fleets of the Royal Saudi Navy will participate in the National Day celebrations in Jeddah.
The National Day celebrations honour "the endeavours and efforts that came together to achieve successful initiatives that benefit the citizen and the resident", the General Entertainment Authority said.
Diana Wijaya, an Indonesian resident in Al Khobar, said she marks the day every year with friends.
“We watch the air show and fireworks," she said.
"Sometimes we go around Al Khobar and try new coffee stores.
“We love Saudi Arabia so much, we want to celebrate and share our happiness for the good times we had here. People passing by were recording us and they’re all happy to see what we’re doing."
Schools across the kingdom planned to hold National Day activities, before closing for the long weekend.
"It was great to see all the kids dressed up in the colours of the national flag. We bought them headbands, thobes and flags to enjoy the celebration with friends," said Canadian citizen Amina Mudassir, 40, who lives in Jeddah.
"Saudi National Day is equally celebrated by citizens and residents. We are so happy to be living in such a safe and prosperous nation."
