Saudi National Day is on the horizon, and with it comes the heady mix of fireworks, flags, and limited-time shopping codes (because nothing says “heritage” like 30 percent off at checkout). But behind the green and white banners lies a saga of battle, poetry, camels, and courage. This isn't just any public holiday; it is the official commemoration of the day King Abdulaziz Al Saud pulled off one of the greatest feats in modern Middle Eastern history — unifying a land that had been anything but unified. Since then, September 23 has become the day Saudis celebrate themselves, their history, and their ambitious future. It is a bridge between sword and smartphone, falcon and fibre-optic. And, as always, there will be a theme, a hashtag, and yes, plenty of special offers.

When is Saudi National Day celebrated, and why?

On September 23 each year. It marks the 1932 royal decree by King Abdulaziz Al Saud that stitched Najd and Hijaz into one kingdom, officially called Saudi Arabia.

Why September 23? Was it an arbitrary Tuesday?

Not quite. On that date, the royal decree was announced to the world. Consider it the Kingdom’s birthday party, except with swords instead of cake knives.

Who was King Abdulaziz?

Born in 1877, horse-obsessed, brave, and apparently able to identify tribes by a single sentence, Abdulaziz fought for three decades to unify his ancestral land. He was part warrior, part statesman, part visionary. Think of him as the original architect of modern Saudi Arabia — before oil, before skyscrapers, before Formula 1.

What traditions surround the day?

Expect fireworks, concerts, parades, and mass flag-waving. Streets light up, and every shop suddenly develops a deep sense of patriotism expressed mainly through discounts. Families gather, children dress in green, and public squares become carnivals of national pride.

What is this year’s theme?

Each year, the Kingdom unveils a slogan and visual identity. For 2025, it is all about history, heritage, and continuity — the threads binding Abdulaziz’s Riyadh charge in 1902 to Vision 2030’s moon-shot ambitions.

Is it Independence Day?

No. Unlike many countries that celebrate freedom from colonisers, Saudi Arabia celebrates the opposite: unity from within. It is about coming together, not breaking apart.

What is the deeper significance?

National Day is a reminder of sovereignty, unity, and resilience. It is a day for citizens and residents alike to reflect on the Kingdom’s progress — from camel caravans to bullet trains, desert raiders to G20 summits.

Any surprises this year?

Alongside concerts, cultural programming, and a spectacular dose of fireworks, there is also an art exhibition in Diriyah exploring memory, AI, and climate ecologies (because even heritage now has VR goggles).

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Because nothing says “national pride” like escaping to the Maldives, Hilton Amingiri is rolling out Saudi-only perks. Think island villas, lamb kofta, and a “Play A Little Longer” padel offer. Packages start at $900++ per night — half board and speedboat included.

Maison Pyramide & Maison Safqa

For those who would rather mark unity with jewelry, Maison Pyramide curates designers who merge heritage with haute. Meanwhile, Maison Safqa drops up to 80% off Saudi brands — your cue to invest in bold pieces by Qormuz, Sun Culture, or Samar Nasraldin.

TUMBI Hotel Dubai The Palm

Just across the water, Hilton’s TUMBI Hotel offers 20% off food, drinks, and spa treatments between 19 and 26 September. It is the kind of patriotic self-care King Abdulaziz could only dream of.

Diriyah Art Futures — CONTINUUM ’25

Immersive installations, VR headsets, and AI-generated art in Riyadh’s heritage heartland. Because if the Kingdom is celebrating its 95th birthday, it may as well throw in a debate on algorithmic power.

AlUla Adventures — Hot Air Balloons & Desert Safaris

Hero Experiences Group brings back its hot air balloon flights over Hegra and luxury safaris in Sharaan Nature Reserve. Imagine soaring over 200,000 years of history as a cultural storyteller whispers secrets of Nabataean tombs.

IKEA Saudi Arabia

Because no celebration is complete without flat-pack furniture and a new lamp you didn't know you needed, IKEA joins the National Day festivities with an offer too tidy to ignore. Spend 500 SAR or more between 5 and 23 September, and you will receive a 10% voucher (up to 1,000 SAR) sent straight to your WhatsApp. Redemption runs through October, giving you a whole month to debate whether you really require another BILLY bookcase. Available across all Saudi stores, order-and-collect points, the Planning Studio, and online.

Finally, Saudi National Day is the perfect excuse to discover (or rediscover) the Kingdom’s music scene. From desert ballads to glossy pop, here is a special STR playlist that moves as effortlessly as a falcon in flight. Turn it on now, or, even better, dive into it through the app and let the celebration play on loop.