23 September: 89th Saudi National Day 2019 celebrated

Every year 23 September is observed as Saudi National Day as a day to commemorate the name changing of what was previously known as the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The day is now a public holiday in the Kingdom.

Saudi National Day 2019

The year 2019 marks the 89th edition of Saudi National Day. Since years citizens of the kingdom have designated 23 September as the day to pay homage to heritage of Saudi Arabia, to appreciate its culture, and to promote pride in the country and its rich history.

The Day is celebrated with folklore dances, traditional festivals as well as other cultural activities arranged in all major cities in Kingdom.

Background

The Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz was a dual monarchy that constituted many dominions and tribes. In early 1900s, the ruler of Nejd, King Abdul Aziz, known as Ibn Saud (or ‘son of Saud’ in West), reconquered his family’s ancestral home city of Riyadh and began nearly 30 years of conquests in region. By the year 1932, King’s forces managed to gain control over most of central Arabia and he then changed name of his realm to his family name- ‘the House of Saud’. Saudi National Day celebrates the passing of this royal decree.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2019