Saudis across the Kingdom and around the world are gearing up for the National Day 95, falling on September 23, 2025.
This year, the significant national occasion is celebrated under the theme “Our Pride is in Our Nature,” reflecting Saudi Arabia’s core values and qualities that have shaped Saudis’ identity throughout the centuries.
Showing up for others, also known as Faz’ah, has always been a defining quality of Saudi citizens, who do not hesitate to lend a hand for anyone in need.
Saudi National Day
Saudi Arabia observes its National Day on September 23 of each year, celebrating the birth of the modern Kingdom.
On this day in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud declared the unification of Najd and Hejaz into one nation, under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh as its capital, Arabic as its official language and Quran as its constitution.
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, under a royal decree by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
Faz’ah: A Core Saudi Value
Faz’ah, the act of showing up for others, is more than just a trait among Saudis; it is woven into the very fabric of their daily lives. For centuries, Saudis have come to the aid of those in need, even before they ask for help. Hence, Faz’ah is one of the values of this year’s National Day identity.
In the times of crises and hardship, Saudis extend a helping hand and demonstrate unwavering solidarity with others. This deeply-rooted value is evident both inside the Kingdom and on the global stage.
The Kingdom has consistently been an active player in offering international humanitarian and development aid to various countries, engaging in diplomatic initiatives to resolve conflicts, and advancing efforts to address global challenges.
An Inspiring Gesture
An illustration of crossed hands symbolizes Faz’ah in the National Day 95 identity. It has drawn inspiration from the iconic gesture of the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman.
During the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, held in May 2025, the US President, Donald Trump, made the historic announcement of lifting sanctions on Syria, at the request of the Saudi Crown Prince, to give Syrians a chance to rebuild their nation.
In response, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received the announcement with applause, signaling his appreciation for Trump’s decision with the crossed-hands gesture.
Saudi Bravery Saving Lives
In a strong show of Faz’ah, a Saudi citizen risked his life to save others. In August 2025, Maher Fahad Al-Dalbahi saw a truck on fire inside a gas station while on his way to Riyadh.
The Saudi citizen bravely climbed into the truck and drove it away from the gas station into an open area, in a heroic act that prevented a potential disaster and saved lives.
In recognition of his bravery and selflessness, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, rewarded Al-Dalbahi with the King Abdulaziz Medal (First Class) and a SAR 1 million ($267,000), according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The award came in response to a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This recognition demonstrates the Saudi leadership’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Saudi citizens who embody the values inherited from the foundational principlesof the Kingdom.
These values include courage, dedication, selflessness and showing up for others (Faz’ah).
