Saudi National Day 96: Shows, Fireworks Across Kingdom
Communities across the Kingdom celebrated Saudi National Day on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, marking the country's 96th National Day with air, naval, and ground displays, military parades, cultural performances, entertainment programs, and fireworks in cities from Riyadh to Jeddah.
In Riyadh, the main show took place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham on 22–23 September, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with public gates opening at 2:00 p.m. Fireworks lit up the skies at 9:00 p.m. on 23 September across Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Madinah, Jeddah, Hail, Arar, Al-Baha, Tabuk, and Buraidah.
On the eastern coast, the Al-Khobar Waterfront hosted airshows on 26–27 September at 4:30 p.m., featuring military aircraft and Aloula Aviation. In Dhahran, مركز الملك عبدالعزيز الثقافي العالمي (إثراء) ran a National Day program from 22–26 September that included a military parade, workshops, films, digital art, live music, and traditional performances. Building entry was free, though some activities required separate tickets booked at the venue.
In Jeddah, the Tarek Abdulhakim Museum offered musical workshops and family activities from 23–25 September, daily from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. The King Khalid Racecourse in Taif held the National Day Cup on 26 September from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., with free general admission subject to prior registration. Aquarabia in القدية continued National Day festivities from 23–26 September.
The wide spread of free and family-friendly events gave residents and expats across the country accessible ways to take part, whether through public shows, cultural workshops, or evening fireworks close to home.
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