Saudi National Day 2023: Date, celebrations and everything you need to know

Kingdom to celebrate its 93rd birthday with fireworks, flypasts and festivities

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

Home to the birthplace of Islam and now undergoing a young social and economic revolution, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its 93rd birthday on September 23.

Saudis and foreigners who call the kingdom home will celebrate the transformative journey the country has embarked on over the past 93 years and the people who made it happen.

Here is all you need to know about Saudi National Day.

What is the history of Saudi National Day?

In about the year 610, the Makkah-born Prophet Mohammed received God's message to spread Islam and to recognise the unity of the One God (Allah, in Arabic).

Fearing for his life from people plotting to kill him, Prophet Mohammed made his way to a nearby town called Yathrib, which is now known as Madinat Al Nabi (the Prophet's City in Arabic).

The year of Prophet Mohammed's migration from Makkah to Madinah marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Since then, the religion grew and spread from parts of Spain to India and the Far East as more Muslims began settling in Makkah and Madinah.

In the early 1700s, a Muslim scholar named Mohammad bin Abdul Wahab began calling for a return to the "true" version of Islam. He and Mohammad bin Saud eventually formed an alliance establishing the first Saudi Arabian state, ruling over what became known as Al Najd, which included Makkah and Madinah.

After a war with the Ottomans, Al Sauds regained lost territory and established Riyadh as their capital before more clashes with the Ottomans in 1865.

Abdulrahman Al Saud, who ruled at the time, sought refuge with the local Bedouins in the deserts of the Empty Quarter.

His son Abdulaziz would later attempt to recapture Riyadh, giving birth to the formation of the modern Saudi state.

On September 23, 1932, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established with Arabic as its national language and the Quran as its constitution.

What celebrations will take place?

In 2016, Vision 2030, a plan to transform the country socially and economically, was born.

Through the plan, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi leaders aim to completely reshape the kingdom’s economy into one that is self-sufficient, progressive and diversified.

The kingdom recognised National Day for the first time in 2005. Now world leaders are joining together to congratulate Saudi Arabia on its 93rd anniversary.

Saudi National Day celebrations kicked off in all major cities across the kingdom from Wednesday and will last till Sunday.

National Day shows will include military parades, a biker parade and an arms exhibition across major cities.

Streets, schools, universities, public and private spaces will be displaying the green Saudi flag.

Part of the military parade and marches began in Riyadh on Thursday with the participation of various sectors of the Ministry of Interior.

The government is organising a military march and air shows at cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Al Baha, Tabuk, Abha, Dhahran, Al Jawf, Al Ahsa, Khamis Mushait, Al Khobar and Dammam.

The Eastern and Western fleets of the Royal Saudi Navy will participate in National Day celebrations with marine processions.

Cafes, restaurants, parks and local retailers will also be celebrating Saudi National Day with green and white decor, special offers for the day and activities such as face painting and games for both adults and children.

Hashtag Saudi National Day is trending on social media channels including Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, with users sharing celebrations throughout the weekend.

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced Saturday, September 23, as an official national holiday for the private and public sector.

Schools and universities will be given an additional day off, Sunday, to celebrate Saudi National Day.