Saudi Arabia declares public holiday for 95th National Day

Government and private sector employees to enjoy a nationwide break

Last updated: September 19, 2025 | 06:37

1 MIN READ

Citizens and residents will celebrate over the coming week with events paying homage to the Kingdom’s heritage, art and culture. Above, Saudi and expat bikers wave national flags as they ride their motorcycles around the capital Riyadh during a parade to mark the Saudi national day.

AFP file

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has declared Tuesday, September 23, a public holiday for both government and private sector workers to mark the Kingdom’s 95th National Day.

The annual celebration commemorates the historic unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud, and is observed nationwide with cultural events, concerts, fireworks, and patriotic displays.

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The public and private sector employees, schools, banks, and government offices will remain closed for one day to enjoy nationwide celebrations across the Kingdom.

This year’s celebration will take place under the theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” reflecting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and natural environment.

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National Day has become a central occasion in the Saudi calendar, reflecting pride in the country’s history and progress while looking ahead to its Vision 2030 goals. The holiday underscores the government’s commitment to recognising the day’s significance and ensuring citizens and residents alike can take part in the festivities.

National Day was first celebrated in 1965 under King Faisal and became a permanent holiday in 2005 following a royal decree by King Abdullah.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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