Saudi National Day
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2016) |
| اليوم الوطني للمملكة العربية السعودية Saudi National Day | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Official name | Saudi Arabia National Day |
| Observed by | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | National |
| Significance | Establishing of Saudi Arabia |
| Date | 23 September |
| Frequency | Annual |
Saudi National Day (Arabic: اليوم الوطني للمملكة العربية السعودية) is celebrated in Saudi Arabia on every 23 September to commemorate the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932.[1] It is a National Holiday.
Establishment of Saudi Arabia
King Abdulaziz was able to conquer the oases of Riyadh in 1902; and al-Hasa in 1913, and by 1925, he unified both Nejd and Hejaz after defeating the forces of Sharif Hussein bin Ali in 1925. On 23 September 1932, Ibn Saud changed the name of his realm to his family name, the House of Saud.[2]
Celebrations
Saudi National Day is celebrated with folklore dances, songs and traditional festivals. The roads and buildings are decorated with Saudi flags and people wear Saudi Arabian shirts. On Saudi National Day, people celebrate all over Saudi Arabia.[3]
According to the Saudi Arabian government, the celebration is an opportunity to learn the Saudi Arabian heritage, customs and traditions. The aim of the celebrations is to introduce the heritage of Saudi Arabia, appreciate the beauty of the country, and promote pride in their country and its rich history. For some, it is also an opportunity to learn about the work of the King Abdulaziz, how he established the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and what he did to unify his country. Therefore, some celebrations are held in his memory.
Events and occasions on the same day
- 2005: King Abdullah acknowledged that Saudi National Day became an official holiday in the kingdom.
- 2009: King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud opened the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in the presence of a number of foreign heads of state.
- 2014: The Jeddah Municipality unveiled the tallest flagpole in the world.
- 2015: Saudi National Day was approved (the day of Arafa), for the first time.