Saudi National Day 2026: 96th Anniversary Events

Sep 29, 2026
Share this article
Saudi National Day 2026: 96th Anniversary Events

Saudi Living reports that the Kingdom marked its 96th National Day on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, under the official theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature.” Cities across the country hosted shows, cultural programs and family activities to celebrate the occasion.

In the capital, the main Riyadh show was scheduled for 22–23 September from 4:00 p.m., with gates opening at 2:00 p.m. Key locations included Boulevard City, King Abdullah Financial District and Umm Ajlan Park. In Jeddah, events were held at Jeddah Promenade and ROSHN Waterfront, while Al-Khobar activities took place along the Corniche and at Al-Khobar Waterfront.

Cultural institutions offered dedicated programs. Ithra in Dhahran ran a five-day program from 22–26 September, with free building entry although some activations required separate tickets. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, the Red Sea Museum in Jeddah and the Tarek Abdulhakim Museum in Jeddah also held special programs. A Taif event at King Khalid Racecourse was listed for 26 September, 3:00–8:00 p.m., with free general admission, and an AlUla activity was advertised with tickets from SAR 25.

Dining and attractions marked the day too. A National Day buffet at 365 Restaurant was listed at SAR 196 while Café Boulud offered breakfast at SAR 96, a three-course lunch at SAR 196 and dinner at SAR 396. Aquarabia tickets were listed at SAR 325 for adults and SAR 200 for children aged 4–11, with under-fours free, while Six Flags Qiddiya tickets were listed at USD 85 for adults and USD 70 for children.

Fireworks had been scheduled for 9:00 p.m. in Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Madinah, Jeddah, Hail, Arar, Al-Baha, Tabuk and Buraidah. However, fireworks and drone shows were later reported as postponed until further notice. Residents and visitors are advised to confirm final schedules through current official Saudi government event announcements before making plans.


Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

Up Next

6,000 Runners Mark National Day in Historic Jeddah

6,000 Runners Mark National Day in Historic Jeddah

Some 6,000 Saudis and expats joined the Green Spirit Run across Historic Jeddah on September 18, 2026, tripling participation since 2024.

Sep 29,2026
LIONS Riyadh Festival to Boost Creative Industries

LIONS Riyadh Festival to Boost Creative Industries

LIONS Riyadh, a non-awards creative festival, launches in Saudi Arabia and is set for 6–8 December 2027 at KAFD in Riyadh.

Sep 29,2026
Saudi Falcons & Hunting Expo Returns Oct 1-10, 2026

Saudi Falcons & Hunting Expo Returns Oct 1-10, 2026

The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition runs Oct 1-10, 2026 in Malham, north of Riyadh, with over 1,440 exhibitors and daily hours 2-11 p.m.

Sep 29,2026
Athar Festival 2026 Expands Riyadh Program

Athar Festival 2026 Expands Riyadh Program

Athar Festival 2026 returns to Riyadh on 24–25 November with 150+ speakers, four content streams, and expanded Athar Awards categories.

Sep 29,2026
Saudi National Day 2026: 96th Anniversary Events | Saudi Living