Saudi Arabia is currently celebrating its 92nd National Day on Sept. 23 with the largest celebrations in its history.

Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), launched on Saturday (Sept. 17) a nine-day celebration throughout the kingdom under the slogan "It Is Our Home."

Among the major highlights of the celebrations are the majestic air and marine shows. Military and civil sectors will perform these shows, showcasing fighter jets, helicopters, civil aircraft, ships, and boats in one of the largest air and marine shows in National Day history.

Largest air show with 34 events

Under the slogan "A homeland salute", Saudi fighter jets, military and civil aircraft will take part in the largest air show in the Kingdom's history. 34 events will be held in 13 major cities throughout the Kingdom.

In 14 cities, the Royal Saudi Air Force is performing air shows with Typhoon, F-15S, Tornado, and F-15C aircraft over the next 10 days.

In addition to military vehicles, a motorcycle squad, a horsemen's show, a naval show demonstrating the latest marine equipment, along with a boats show presented by the Naval Special Security Group (NSSG), and an aerial parade by helicopters, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Command will participate in a national parade.

As part of the National Day air shows, 13 cities in the Kingdom will be participating, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Dammam and Jubail, as well as Al-Ahsa, Taif, Tabuk and Abha, along with Sarat Ubaidah, Tamniyah, Khamis Mushait and Al-Baha.

On the National Day, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces will conduct activities along the Jeddah waterfront and at Al Fanateer Beach in Jubail, where private maritime security group boats will parade.

The Ministry of National Guard will participate with a number of helicopters at the beginning of the air show along with security aviation helicopters, one of which will carry the Saudi flag on a 30-minute tour.

With the parade of several marine vehicles, including ships and boats, starting at the south end of the waterfront on the northern Corniche in Jeddah and sailing towards the north and back in the same direction, the Border Guard Command in Makkah and Eastern Province is participating in the celebrations. The cruise will also visit the landmark of the water tower in the city of Al-Khobar before returning along the waterfront in the same direction.

As part of the celebrations, the Ministry of Interior will participate with outstanding military shows featuring a theater of operations and a live musical performance by military bands.

The capital city of Riyadh, and the city of Jeddah would witness a special event, involving a parade and cavalry of the Royal Guard on a tour of the main roads, forming a majestic national procession that shares citizens’ happiness, with the Saudi royal anthem band and classic cars led by the Royal Guard participating.

Cirque du Soleil circus show

As part of this year's National Day celebration, the international Cirque Du Soleil will stage exceptional performances at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, for a period of four days, titled "The Wealth of a Homeland," between Sept. 21 and 24.

Cirque du Soleil, which has been operating for seven months, weaves an incredible artistic and surreal tapestry in a world where the impossible becomes possible, showcasing gravity-defying acrobatics and daring performances for the first time in Saudi Arabia, telling the story of the kingdom's rich national culture, its people, its values and its dreams of the future.

Cirque du Soleil takes visitors on an immersive and inspiring journey across the Kingdom, representing more than 24 allegorical hours, with captivating storytelling and breathtaking performances, as well as highlighting the beauty, spirit, and culture of Saudi people, as the title indicates national treasure and wealth.

National Operetta in Madinah

Festivals and events will not be limited to Riyadh and Jeddah, as 13 regions of the Kingdom will host festivals celebrating the Kingdom's history and authentic national heritage, including dozens of entertainment events, interactive activities, heritage-related shows, and crafts, to be launched in public parks.

As part of the National Operetta at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Sports City in Madinah, dazzling technologies will display innovative folkloric paintings, and a historical exhibition will be launched to provide a comprehensive picture of Saudi Arabia's history.

On Sept. 23, more than 200 performers and exhibitors will participate in various folkloric performances supported by sound effects.

The national operetta will feature Ibrahim Al-Hakami and Nayef Al-Badhe. A historical exhibition highlighting the history of Saudi Arabia and its regions accompanies the operetta.

Five central regions will host musical concerts: Riyadh, Abha, Al-Qassim, Jeddah, and Al-Ahsa. These events will feature prominent artists from the Middle East and North Africa region, such as Mohammed Abdu, Abadi Al-Johar, Rabeh Saqer, Majed Al-Muhandis, Ahlam, Angham, and Ahmed Saad.

12 entertainment festivals

During the four consecutive days from Sept. 21 to 24, the regions of the Kingdom will host 12 entertainment festivals, which will form huge festive carnivals that celebrate the history and authentic heritage of the Kingdom.

Besides folkloric and kinetic games, the festivals feature interactive platforms with the latest lighting and sound technologies to celebrate the heritage of the Kingdom through regional folklore performances.

Four musicians will play the violin, flute, lute, and qanun instruments to the tunes of the national songs. Public games are mixed with national projects at the festival sites through eight games.

Grassy Park in Riyadh, Prince Majed Park in Jeddah, King Abdullah Park on Dammam's waterfront, King Khalid Park in Buraidah, as well as Al-Nakhil Park in Al-Jouf, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Park in Tabuk and Sama Abha Park in Hail, Al-Qayyim Park in Al-Baha, Aba Rashash Park in Najran, Al-Riffa area in Arar, and Jazan's heritage village will host these festivals.

Fireworks to light up skies of 18 cities

There will be massive fireworks displays in 18 cities across Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom's sky will be illuminated in green and white with fireworks at 9:00 pm on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

All citizens will be able to enjoy the fireworks displays and share in the times of joy and rejoicing during the National Day celebrations at an altitude of up to 300 meters.

There are many places to view fireworks, including Al-Thaghr Plaza in Riyadh, King Abdullah National Park in Buraidah, Northern Khobar Corniche and Dammam Corniche, Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Sports City in Madinah, Sama Abha Park, and Prince Hussam Park in Al Baha.

In addition to the gardens of Burj Arar, fireworks will illuminate the North Corniche in Jazan, the Al-Nahda neighborhood in Najran, and the Al-Mughwah Park in Hail.

There are also fireworks displays in Tabuk Central Park, King Salman Cultural Center in Sakaka, Al-Radaf Park in Taif, and Al-Hajeb Avenue in Onaiza, as well as King Abdullah Environmental Park in Al-Ahsa and King Abdullah Park in Hafr Al-Batin.