18 terrific things to do on Saudi National Day 2023
Food, fireworks and family-friendly fun – here’s where to get your patriotism on.
There ain’t no party like a Saudi National Day party. The event is one of the most important celebrations in the Kingdom, and marks the birth of the country. So, it’s time to get your patriotism on – green can be found on buildings, balloons and baked goods, and the streets are filled with flags, fireworks and festivities.
In 1932, the unification of the Kingdom of Najd and Hijaz took place, and the nation became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after the family of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, of the House of Saud. Known as Al Yom Al Watany in Arabic, Saudi National Day falls on 23 September each year.
For the 93rd Saudi National Day, the slogan is “We dream and we achieve”. Since the day is a public holiday, look out for special events in compounds, restaurants, malls and stadiums. Here are the best things to do on Saudi National Day 2023.
93rd National Day Party
The General Entertainment Authority will bring pomp and pageantry to the proceedings. The details for Saudi National Day 2023 have not yet been confirmed, but previous events have included air, boat and military shows, alongside festivals and fireworks. Plus, parades of classic cars and horses.
GO: Visit https://www.gea.gov.sa for more information.
A.O.K. Kitchen
In honour of Saudi National Day, A.O.K. Kitchen will pay tribute to the Kingdom with a limited-edition menu featuring dishes crafted exclusively from 100% local Saudi produce. Expect chicken sausage, grilled baby chicken, jumbo shrimps, shakshuka, sirloin tagliata and wild seabass fillet. The restaurant will also feature teas from Barriya, a local artisan tea brand renowned for its fragrant, locally-inspired blends. And on Saudi National Day, guests will be treated to dates and traditional Saudi coffee. Available from 17 to 23 September.
GO: Visit www.aokkitchen.co.uk/ae/aok-riyadh for more information.
Azimuth
AlUla is alive with the sound of music. Azimuth music festival runs from 21 to 22 September, and happens to coincide with Saudi National Day 2023. The concert welcomes local and international performers: English singer-songwriter Jorja Smith, American electronic duo Thievery Corporation, and Australian singer Chet Faker. Plus, Dope Lemon, Peggy Gou, TINARIWEN, The Kooks, RY X, and Saint Levant.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Bateel
Every Saudi National Day event needs the Middle East’s ultimate snack: dates. Saudi-born brand Bateel has great gifts for your loved ones. The highlights include the Ava Gold Tray, Date Seed Coffee, and Premium Honey Gift Set. Plus, there are a range of hampers in different sizes.
GO: Visit https://bateel.com for more information.
Fairmont Riyadh
Fairmont Riyadh is marking Saudi National Day with amazing offers. Guests can enjoy 23 per cent off a stay and complimentary breakfast. Large groups can get 30 per cent off an additional room. Plus, there is a complimentary 4pm check out, and 23 per cent off restaurants and spa treatments.
GO: Visit www.fairmont.com for more information.
Heritance Aarah Maldives
Heritance Aarah has created a special package for Saudi National Day 2023. Guests can get up to 37 per cent off a two-bedroom residence, which is great for family or friends. The room includes a personal butler, and you can enjoy a private dinner on the private deck. All-inclusive packages include dining at six restaurants, beverages, experiences, entertainment, and a 30-minute photoshoot. The offer is available until 31 October.
GO: Visit www.heritancehotels.com for more information.
Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences
On Saudi National Day, Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences will join the nation in celebrating the Kingdom’s unification and founding. The hotel offers an extended weekend getaway, which allows guests to enjoy a discount of up to 20% when booking a stay of three nights or more. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the festive ambience with Saudi National Day decorations and henna art for ladies, live traditional music, the Arda dance, and enticing Saudi sweets in the lobby. Available from 21 to 24 September.
GO: Email ruhch_hotel@hilton.com for reservations and more information.
Il Baretto
The fine dining restaurant Il Baretto has made its way from London to Riyadh. Located in King Abdullah Financial District, the concept is marking not just Saudi National Day 2023 but September with an artist collaboration. Saudi artist Abdulmohsen AlRowais will have his work on display in the restaurant. On the walls are black and white Italian photographs with colourful Saudi patterns, and on the plates are his signature colours inspired by the Kingdom. Plus, guests can enjoy a specially curated drink and dessert connected to his work.
GO: Visit https://ilbaretto.sa for more information.
Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
At FACT, we love Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel. During the Saudi National Day 2023, guests at Mansard Riyadh can make the most of special events. Enjoy afternoon tea at L’ami Dave from 15 September, and a complimentary drink at Sadelle’s on 23 September. Plus, guests who book directly through the hotel will enjoy a 15 per cent discount on rates.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Mayrig
Celebrate Saudi National Day with a meal at the Armenian restaurant Mayrig at Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences. Enjoy a 20 per cent discount on the à la carte menu featuring Armenian specialities such as Armenian Kebabs, Hamegh Seroung, Mante and Seafood. Available on 23 September from 12pm to 2am.
GO: Email ruhch_hotel@hilton.com or call +966 11 234 6666 for reservations and more information.
Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort
Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort, provides an escape within the city. For Saudi National Day 2023 from 10am to 10pm on 21 to 23 September, guests can enjoy a range of exciting events. Kids can enjoy the club and pool, the entertainment centre includes a cinema, bowling alley, and adventure park. Plus, there are camel rides, Bedouin tents and a pop-up art gallery.
GO: Visit https://www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Al Naseem
It’s all about food, glorious food at Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Al Naseem. The hotel offers an international buffet for four. From SAR 93 per person, it is available from 21 to 23 September. Double Rooms are available from SAR 193 from 21 to 23 September.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center
Located in King Abdullah District, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center boasts huge rooms. Guests can make the most of the 20 per cent discount on food, drinks and rooms. The offer runs from 22 to 28 September.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Radisson Hotel & Apartments Dammam Industrial City
Radisson Hotel & Apartments Dammam Industrial City has great Saudi National Day 2023 offers. Enjoy gifts, a traditional buffet and Arabic sweets. Family-friendly events include a photo booth, arts and crafts, face painting, and mascots. Prices start from SAR 93 for two guests on 23 September.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport
At Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport there are exciting offers. Lune restaurant is serving a buffet, and live music from local artists. In the lobby, there is a two-meter-high cake on display – and you can grab a slice. The offer is valid from 21 to 23 September.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
If riyals aren’t an issue, then hop on a flight to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, for Saudi National Day. From 22 to 23 September, guests can enjoy special events, from ariel hopping to a sunset cruise. The Ultimate Luxury offer includes a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment, Arabic Night Buffet and more.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
ROAM
The luxury holiday company ROAM has curated six-weekend packages for Saudi National Day 2023. The locations include Abha, AlUla, Jeddah, Red Sea, Riyadh and Taif. All of the prices are available on request, and bespoke packages are also available.
GO: Visit https://experiencesbyroam.com for more information.
Teatro
Celebrate Saudi National Day with a delicious spread of Saudi dishes at Teatro restaurant inside Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences. Expect traditional local delicacies such as kabsa, mgalgal and gursan, in addition to an expansive buffet and a live cooking station for pasta. Available on Saturday 23 September, from 1pm to 4pm and 6:30pm to 11pm. SAR 193 per person (inclusive of soft beverages).
GO: Email ruhch_hotel@hilton.com or call +966 11 234 6666 for reservations and more information.
