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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated its 96th National Day. Photos by Lui Lee Bastareche
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marked its 96th National Day on Wednesday, September 23, with nationwide celebrations that brought together Saudi citizens and expatriate communities, including thousands of Filipinos who have made the Kingdom their second home.
The annual celebration commemorates the unification of the Kingdom under its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, in 1932.
Across Riyadh, Jeddah and other parts of the Kingdom, streets and buildings were decorated in green, while air shows, parades, cultural activities and fireworks were held as part of the festivities. The General Entertainment Authority had announced nationwide air, sea and land displays, with fireworks scheduled in nine cities on National Day.
For many Filipinos who have spent years working and building their lives in Saudi Arabia, the occasion has also become an opportunity to express gratitude to the country they now consider a second home.
Filipino workers and families joined the wider expatriate community in observing the celebration, with Saudi flags and green-themed decorations visible in Filipino establishments and communities.
The participation reflects the long-standing people-to-people ties between Filipinos and Saudis. The Philippines and Saudi Arabia have maintained relations across economic, cultural, educational and humanitarian areas, with the large Filipino community playing an important role in strengthening these ties.
At a Saudi National Day celebration held in Manila, Saudi Ambassador Faisal bin Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi likewise highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, saying Saudi Arabia takes pride in the level reached by Saudi-Philippine relations and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.
‘SECOND HOME’
For many overseas Filipino workers, Saudi Arabia has become the place where they have spent years working, raising families, building careers and forming communities. The sentiment is reflected in the participation of Filipino businesses, schools and community organizations during National Day activities.
Previous National Day celebrations have also seen Philippine schools in Saudi Arabia express their appreciation for the Kingdom, with Filipino students wearing green, displaying Saudi flags and learning about the country’s history and culture.
This year, the sentiment was particularly visible as expatriate communities across the Kingdom joined Saudis in celebrating the country’s national occasion.
The festivities also came in the middle of heightened regional security concerns following a series of Houthi attacks and attempted attacks involving Saudi Arabia.
On September 19, Saudi authorities confirmed that a ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh had been intercepted. The incident was accompanied by reports of explosions and smoke near the capital, although authorities reported no casualties or significant damage in the city.
Saudi authorities also recently announced the interception of a Houthi drone near Makkah. King Salman condemned the attempted attack during a Cabinet meeting on September 22, describing it as a violation of the sanctity of the holy sites and thanking Saudi military and security personnel for protecting the Kingdom and its residents.
Despite the recent security incidents, National Day activities proceeded across the Kingdom.
In Riyadh, the main National Day program included military and aviation displays, while fireworks were held in several cities on the evening of September 23.
The continuation of the celebrations provided a striking contrast to the heightened security environment: while authorities remained vigilant, communities across the Kingdom continued with their National Day activities.
LEADERSHIP
King Salman, who remains the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Kingdom’s monarch, expressed his wishes for further achievements and success in Saudi Arabia’s continued growth and development during the Cabinet session ahead of National Day.
He also recognized the role of Saudi military and security personnel in defending the country and protecting its citizens, residents and the holy sites.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as Prime Minister, has been closely associated with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda, which has driven major economic, social and cultural changes in the country.
The GCC Secretary-General, meanwhile, congratulated King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people on the 96th National Day, citing the Kingdom’s development and its role in regional cooperation and stability.