International Students Celebrate Saudi National Day

International students across Saudi Arabia joined celebrations for the Kingdom's 96th National Day on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with schools and universities hosting cultural programs under the 2026 theme, "Our Pride Lies in Our Nature" (عزنا بطبعنا).

At Saudi international schools, activities featured traditional music and dance, Saudi food, national dress, art, Arabic-language activities, and cultural presentations. Reported formats included cultural fairs, heritage displays, student performances, poetry recitals, patriotic songs, and art exhibitions, giving pupils from different backgrounds a hands-on look at Saudi customs and history.

Universities marked the occasion with a wide program of their own. Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah organized art exhibitions, dialogue sessions, volunteer campaigns, educational tours, competitions, and student activities. These were spread across King Saud Hall in Al-Abdiyah, Al-Jawhara Hall in Al-Zahir, and the Development Oasis in Al-Abdiyah.

In Dhahran, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) ran a dedicated National Day cultural program from September 22 to 26, 2026, extending the festivities across several days.

For expat families, the school celebrations offered an accessible way for children to engage with Saudi heritage and connect with classmates from many nationalities. The activities reflect how the Kingdom's National Day has become a shared community event, bringing together residents and expats to mark the country's history and culture.

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