UAE leaders have shared their congratulations with Saudi Arabia as the country celebrates its 93rd birthday today.
Saudi National Day, also known as Al-Yaom-ul-Watany in Arabic, has a theme this year: This is Our Home.
Leaders from across the UAE took to social media on Saturday to share their congratulations.
"Congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people on their 93rd National Day," President Sheikh Mohamed wrote.
"As we commemorate this day, we in the UAE wish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continued progress and prosperity."
Also sending his congratulations was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
"All congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its people, its King, and his trustworthy Crown Prince on the occasion of the Saudi National Day," Sheikh Mohammed said on social media.
"We ask God to perpetuate their goodness, security, and pride ... and to perpetuate brotherhood and love between the two brotherly peoples.
"Happy New Year ... and may your people be well ... and may the banner of your glory fly high."
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, also offered his congratulations to Saudi Arabia.
"We are deeply proud of the established fraternal relations that bring together the Emirates and Saudi Arabia and the development and civilizational achievements that the Kingdom has achieved at all levels," Sheikh Mansour wrote on social media.
National Day celebrations began in all major cities across Saudi Arabia from Wednesday and will last until Sunday.
National Day shows include military parades, a biker parade and an arms exhibition in major cities.
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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
Streets, schools, universities, public and private spaces will display the 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 organised 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 the date, which has been declared a national holiday, with green-and-white decor, special offers for the day and activities such as face painting and games for adults and children.
