Saudi National Day 96: Air Shows and Fireworks to Light Up Cities Across the Kingdom—Key Dates
Cities across the Kingdom are preparing an extensive program of shows and events to celebrate the 96th Saudi National Day, with air, sea and land displays and fireworks taking place in several cities during the days surrounding September 23, 2026. The General Entertainment Authority, in cooperation with government and private-sector entities, has announced details of part of the program, which combines military displays, civilian participation and public celebrations.
Jeddah to Continue Air Shows Through Sunday
Air shows began in Jeddah on September 18 and will continue through Sunday, September 20, at 5 p.m., with the participation of the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Falcons team. The displays will also feature a Saudia Boeing 787-9 and a flyadeal Airbus A320neo, creating an aerial spectacle in keeping with the national occasion.
The shows come days before the official date of National Day, which falls on Wednesday, September 23, making the current weekend an early start to the celebrations in several regions of the Kingdom.
Main Show in Riyadh on September 22 and 23
In Riyadh, the main show will take place on September 22 and 23, starting at 4 p.m., with a live broadcast on the Saudi Channel. The venue is scheduled to open to the public at 2 p.m., while multiple sectors will participate in the accompanying program.
The program includes the participation of the Royal Guard, with a guard of honor display and a military band performing the national anthem, in addition to air and land displays. Riyadh Air will also participate with a Boeing 787, alongside pavilions for the Royal Saudi Land Forces, Border Guard and the Aviation Club at the show site in Malham.
Al Khobar to Host Air Shows on September 26 and 27
The air shows will then move to the Eastern Province, where the Al Khobar waterfront will host events on September 26 and 27 at 4:30 p.m. This stop extends the national program beyond September 23, giving audiences in the Eastern Province an opportunity to watch the displays during the following weekend.
Fireworks in Nine Cities
On National Day night, nine cities will host fireworks displays at 9 p.m. on September 23: Riyadh, Al Khobar, Medina, Jeddah, Hail, Arar, Al Bahah, Tabuk and Buraydah. The displays are part of a broader celebratory program coordinated by the General Entertainment Authority with government and private-sector entities.
This year marks the 96th anniversary of the occasion. The General Entertainment Authority is providing information and the National Day identity through its official platforms, while events are spread across different regions of the Kingdom and include public shows as well as cultural and entertainment programs.
Before Heading to Event Venues
Visitors are advised to check the official channels of the organizing entities before heading to any venue, as some schedules or entry arrangements and on-site organizational measures may be updated. It is also preferable to arrive early at major show venues, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, and to follow safety and traffic instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
