Saudi National Day 2027

Saudi National Day falls on 23 September each year and marks the date in 1932 when King Abdulaziz ibn Saud unified the territories of the Arabian Peninsula into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a national public holiday and one of the most widely celebrated occasions in the country, with events, fireworks, and street celebrations taking place simultaneously in cities across the Kingdom.

Staying for the celebrations? Compare Riyadh hotels on Booking.com or Jeddah hotels on Booking.com early, and see our Riyadh Boulevard guide for the main entertainment district.

The 2027 edition marks 95 years since the unification. National Day is a day of genuine popular celebration - Saudi flags appear on cars, buildings, and windows weeks in advance, and the streets fill with green-clad crowds in the days around 23 September.

How National Day Is Celebrated

The atmosphere in major cities, particularly Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, is festive and public. Key features of National Day include:

Fireworks displays - Major cities run synchronised fireworks programmes on the evening of 23 September. In Riyadh, the show is typically launched from multiple points around the city and is visible from the Corniche, major roads, and elevated locations. Jeddah’s display often takes place over the Red Sea along the Corniche.

Public concerts and events - The Saudi Entertainment Authority organises free concerts and cultural performances across Saudi Arabia on and around 23 September. Stages are set up in parks, entertainment districts, and public squares. The events are open to all residents and visitors.

Military and aviation displays - Saudi Air Force flypasts and military parades are organised in some cities. The scale varies by year - check local announcements closer to the date.

Themed activations - Shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues run National Day deals, themed menus, and special programmes. Green is the dominant colour; national dress is common.

Visiting Saudi Arabia on National Day

National Day is an excellent time to visit for travellers interested in Saudi culture. The widespread public celebration makes the country’s pride in its heritage visible in a way that differs from other times of year.

Practically, 23 September is a public holiday. Government offices, banks, and many businesses close. Restaurants, malls, and entertainment venues remain open and are often busier than usual. Roads fill up in the evening, particularly near fireworks launch sites - plan transport accordingly and allow extra time if you are trying to reach a specific venue.

Accommodation in major cities books up for the National Day weekend. Reserve hotels in advance if you are planning to visit Riyadh or Jeddah during this period.

The weather on 23 September is typically hot across most of Saudi Arabia - Riyadh sees daytime temperatures of around 38 to 42°C in late September. Evening events are more comfortable; the fireworks and outdoor concerts start after dark.

For city-specific guides, see our pages on Riyadh and Jeddah.

Visiting Saudi Arabia around National Day? Browse tours across the Kingdom on GetYourGuide - cultural experiences, desert trips, and heritage sites are available from Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond.

Where to Stay for National Day

The two main bases are Riyadh and Jeddah, and both fill up around 23 September. In Riyadh, hotels close to the Boulevard and along the Metro lines keep evening travel simple; compare Riyadh hotels on Booking.com. In Jeddah, a Corniche or Al-Balad base puts you near the waterfront fireworks; compare Jeddah hotels on Booking.com.

For event nights, plan your return journey before you go. Roads around launch sites are closed or congested for a few hours after the show, so many visitors walk to a Metro station in Riyadh or arrange a pickup from a quieter street. Ticketed concerts are listed on the official Saudi Entertainment Authority channels, and the free public stages are usually announced only days beforehand. Check for updates close to the date, as programmes change each year. For the daytime, the Riyadh Boulevard guide lists attractions that stay open on the holiday, though opening hours can differ on 23 September.

Related reading

• Saudi National Day 2026