National Day festivities entertain millions in Saudi Arabia

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Citizens and residents who gathered to witness the fireworks also had the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of other displays and events, including drone shows. (SPA)
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Citizens and residents who gathered to witness the fireworks also had the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of other displays and events, including drone shows. (SPA)
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Citizens and residents who gathered to witness the fireworks also had the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of other displays and events, including drone shows. (SPA)
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Citizens and residents who gathered to witness the fireworks also had the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of other displays and events, including drone shows. (SPA)
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Updated 24 September 2023
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National Day festivities entertain millions in Saudi Arabia

  • Maraya Concert Hall in AlUla shines spotlight on beauty of Arabian horses

RIYADH: Fireworks illuminated the skies of Saudi Arabia on the 93rd National Day, as millions of people gathered in various locations across the country on Saturday evening to enjoy the artistic shows organized by the General Entertainment Authority.

Citizens and residents who gathered to witness the fireworks also had the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of other displays and events, including drone shows.

The celebrations were held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Alkhobar, Al-Ahsa, Buraidah, Abha, Madinah, Hail, Tabuk, Baha, Sakaka, Jazan, Najran, Taif, Arar, and other cities.

In Boulevard Riyadh City, billboards displayed images of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Kingdom’s flag.

In celebration of National Day, the people of AlUla gathered at the Maraya Concert Hall, where Arabian horses, which have long occupied a special place in the lives of Saudis, were put on display, accompanied by riders in traditional Saudi attire.

Meanwhile, Riyadh witnessed a spectacular military show, commencing with a parade featuring the participation of the Presidency of the Saudi Royal Guard, the Ministry of National Guard, and the General Directorate of Border Guard.

The parade featured a horse-mounted march and a musical performance by the Honor Guard, and culminated with the hoisting of the Saudi flag by helicopter, signifying the start of the aerial display.

Twelve Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, belonging to the Ministry of National Guard, took part in the aerial show, followed by the distinguished Saudi Falcons aerobatic team.

The Royal Saudi Air Force also presented impressive displays during the event, featuring aircraft such as Typhoon, F-15 S, Tornado, and F-15 C.

Along the coasts of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, the Royal Saudi Navy held maritime processions and shows in both the Eastern and Western fleets.

The aerial displays will continue across the Kingdom’s skies at multiple locations until they culminate in a performance over Jouf on Oct. 2.


Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

Updated 03 February 2026
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Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”