As the 95th Saudi National Day is on the horizon, Saudis are gearing up for a nationwide celebration of their unique values and traits, such as generosity, authenticity, ambition, and vision.
This year’s National Day, falling on September 23, 2025, is observed under the theme “Our Pride is in Our Nature,” celebrating the core values and qualities that have shaped Saudi Arabia’s identity throughout the centuries.
Generosity and hospitality are two authentic qualities deeply-rooted in the Saudi character, reflecting a spirit of giving and sharing that unite the community.
Saudi National Day
On September 23 of each year, Saudis mark their National Day, celebrating the anniversary of uniting Najd and Hejaz under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the hands of King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud in 1932.
This day marks the birth of modern 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, 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.
Generosity: A Defining Quality
The Saudi people are famous for their generosity and hospitality. From serving coffee to sharing meals and desserts, the culture of sharing is a defining quality woven into the Saudi character.
As a result, generosity is part of the identity of the 95th Saudi National Day with the symbol of Dallah and Finjans. Dallah (the traditional Saudi coffee pot) and Finjans (small coffee cups) are two iconic symbols of generosity and hospitality in the Saudi culture.
Serving coffee to guests is a gesture of welcome and respect in the Saudi culture. At social gatherings, wedding ceremonies and other events, Saudi coffee and dates are served in a simple display of generosity and hospitality.
The act of preparing and serving Saudi coffee to guests is more of a ceremony. Poured from Dallah to Finjans, Saudi coffee is served to the oldest guest first as a sign of respect. The host holds the Dallah in their left hand and offers the Finjan with their right. They fill the Finjan to only a quarter in order to encourage the guest for more refills. Shaking the Finjan is a sign that the guest does not want more. Saudi coffee is often served with dates.
Trump’s Lavish Reception
One of the key events observed worldwide was the landmark visit of the US President, Donald Trump, to Saudi Arabia on May 13, 2025. Once he landed in Riyadh, Trump received a royal reception marked by luxury and generosity.
Upon the US President’s arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, a long luxurious lavender carpet rolled out before him, and the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, personally greeted him.
Then, when Trump arrived at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, escorted by a calvary of Arabian horses, he received another warm greeting with another lavender carpet and a personal welcome from the Saudi Crown Prince.
In a grand royal welcome ceremony, Trump and his accompanying delegation were served the signature Saudi coffee.
Saudi Coffee at EWC 2025
In another show of Saudi generosity and hospitality, Saudi coffee came into spotlight during the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 2025), held in Riyadh from July 7 to August 24.
As part of Street Food Festival, held in conjunction with the EWC 2025, Saudi coffee attracted visitors from around the world with its aromatic fragrance as well as its delicious taste.
Saudi coffee stalls across the Boulevard City offered global audiences a variety of regional blends of Saudi coffee, in addition to premium dates, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and generosity in a warm welcome gesture that comes straight from the heart.
