Saudi Arabia is anticipating its 95th National Day on September 23, 2025, celebrating the values of authenticity, generosity, Faz’ah, and vision, which have passed from one generation to the other.
Observing that special day under the theme “Our Pride is in Our Nature,” Saudis honor a unique connection to their roots and cherish their glorious past.
Authenticity is one of the core values that have shaped Saudi Arabia’s national identity, bridging the past with present and underscoring Saudis’ pride in their ancestors’ legacy.
Saudi National Day
On September 23, 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud issued a royal decree declaring the unification of Najd and Hejaz under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh as its capital, Arabic as its official language and Quran as its constitution.
Since then, the day has become a national occasion for Saudis. The first celebration of the Saudi National Day took place in 1965, under King Faisal bin Abdulaziz. Then, it became an official holiday in 2005, following a royal decree by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
Saudis celebrate this significant national occasion by taking pride in their national identity and traditions through folklore music and dance performances, as well as parades and firework shows.
Authenticity: A Source of Pride
Saudi Arabia boasts a glorious history and rich heritage that stretch back thousands of years. This legacy has been the source of the Kingdom’s authenticity, which continues to shape the nation’s identity.
Hence, Saudi Arabia gives a special focus to preserving its ancient traditions and showcasing its unique cultural heritage to the world.
In the light of this, Authenticity lies in the heart of the 95th National Day identity, embodying a core value that is deeply ingrained in the Saudi character.
It is reflected by an illustration of a deeply-rooted tree that symbolizes depth and belonging, reaffirming Saudi people’s commitment to their inherited identity and values. Each branch symbolizes a generation of Saudis who take pride in their history and draw inspiration from their ancestors’ past.
UNESCO Intangible Heritage
Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage has made its way to the UNESCO list for Intangible Cultural Heritage, in a strong testament to the Kingdom’s authenticity.
In December 2024, the Kingdom celebrated a significant cultural triumph by inscribing three more traditions on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, expanding Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global cultural map.
The cultural practices related to Taif roses, Henna rituals and social practices, and Semsemya crafting and playing are now celebrated on the UNESCO list as key elements of Saudi cultural heritage.
In addition to these traditions, the UNESCO list includes other Saudi elements, such as Alardah, Majlis, Arabic coffee, falconry, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, date palm, Sadu weaving, Arabic calligraphy, Alheda’a, Khawlani coffee, metal engraving, and the Harees dish.
Taif Roses
The cultivation and harvest of Taif roses is a centuries-old practice that has become integral to the daily activities of Taif people. Taif roses have a significant historic and economic value for local communities. They are used to produce rose water and essential oils – central elements of social events and local traditions.
The delicate flower is celebrated each year during the Taif Rose Festival through a variety of events that showcase the Taif rose’s products and highlight its cultural significance.
Henna and Semsemya
The rituals, aesthetic and social practices related to Henna – a tree that grows in hot regions whose dry leaves are grounded and processed to make a paste – have featured on the UNESCO list in a collaborative effort with 16 other countries from the Middle East and North Africa.
In Saudi Arabia, Henna symbolizes joy, celebration and beauty. It is an important part of celebrations, particularly weddings, where women use the Henna paste to dye their hair, color their nails, or adorn their hands and feet.
Meanwhile, the art of crafting and playing Semsemya – a traditional harp-like instrument – was added to the list in a joint nomination with Egypt. It a key element of the musical identity of Saudi coastal regions, used by sailors and fishermen in social occasions such as weddings and local festivals.
Unearthing Historical Discoveries
Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has unveiled several significant discoveries that underscore the Kingdom’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
These discoveries are part of a broader effort to explore, document, and preserve Saudi Arabia’s authentic historical sites, in line with Al-Yamamah Archaeological Project which aims to redraw the archaeological map of the Riyadh Region and its surrounding areas.
Al-Qurainah Site in Riyadh
In August 2025, the Heritage Commission unearthed pottery fragments and stone tools dating back more than 50,000 years to the Middle Stone Age, at a site in the town of Al-Qurainah, northwest of Riyadh.
In collaboration with Saudi experts, the archaeological survey and excavation project at the site discovered circular structures resembling tombs from the third and second millennia BC. It also identified an ancient road extending from the valley to the top of the plateau at Al-Qurainah, reaching Riyadh.
Al-Natah Ancient Town
In October 2024, archaeologists uncovered the remnants of a fortified town, named Al-Natah, dating back more than 4,000 years at the Khaybar Oasis in northwest Saudi Arabia.
The discovery gives a glimpse into how ancient societies transitioned from nomadic to more permanent urbanized lifestyles.
Al-Natah town featured well-structured residential areas, a central district, defensive walls, and a necropolis.
