Welcome to Calm Gulf Life 🌊 — your blog for everything about life in the Gulf. On Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will celebrate its 95th National Day. This historic event not only unites Saudi citizens but also includes millions of expats who live and work here.
📖 A Quick History of National Day
Saudi National Day marks the day in 1932 when King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified Najd, Hejaz, and other regions into one Kingdom. It is now a powerful symbol of identity, pride, and unity — celebrated every year with lights, fireworks, concerts, and heritage shows. In 2025, the theme is “Pride in Our Nature”, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage and environmental vision.
📅 Will There Be a Holiday?
✅ Yes! September 23, 2025 will be an official public holiday across Saudi Arabia. Government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses will close. But some essential workers and industries will continue working.
👷 Who Works on National Day?
Even though it is a national holiday, some sectors cannot stop their work. These include:
- 🚑 Hospitals & Emergency Services – doctors, nurses, and paramedics remain on duty.
- 👮 Police, Security & Military – to ensure safety during celebrations.
- ✈️ Airports & Airlines – flights continue, so staff work as scheduled.
- 🛢️ Energy & Oil Operations – critical projects like refineries and power stations cannot shut down.
- 🛒 Shops & Restaurants – many malls, supermarkets, and eateries stay open, often with special discounts.
💰 Benefits for Workers (Including Expats)
Working on Saudi National Day can actually be rewarding. According to Saudi labor laws, employees who are required to work during public holidays receive:
✅ Double Pay for hours worked on National Day.
✅ Or a compensatory day off on another date.
This applies to many expats working in retail, hospitality, aviation, and other industries. So while some enjoy the day off, others earn extra benefits by working.
🌍 How Expats Can Benefit on National Day
Saudi Arabia is home to millions of expats. On National Day, they also enjoy the festive atmosphere and unique perks:
- 🛍️ Shopping Discounts – malls and online stores launch mega sales.
- 🎶 Free Concerts & Events – expats can attend cultural shows and fireworks.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Fun – parks, museums, and entertainment centers often run special programs.
- 💰 Extra Pay for Workers – those working get double salary or an alternative day off.
- ✈️ Travel Deals – hotels and airlines offer National Day discounts.
🎊 What Will Happen in 2025 Celebrations?
Expect cities across the Kingdom to turn green and white:
- 🌆 Iconic Buildings Lit Green – Riyadh’s Kingdom Tower, Jeddah’s Corniche, and more.
- 🎆 Fireworks – spectacular displays in major cities.
- 🎤 Concerts – featuring Saudi and international artists.
- 🕌 Heritage Festivals – traditional dances, food, and crafts.
- 🎁 Special Promotions – great for shopping and dining.
📌 Final Thoughts from Calm Gulf Life
The 95th Saudi National Day is not only a time for Saudis to celebrate their unity and achievements — it’s also a day that brings joy and benefits for expats. Some enjoy a well-deserved holiday with their families, while others who work earn double pay. No matter what, the spirit of unity, pride, and celebration is shared by everyone living in the Kingdom.
🇸🇦 Happy 95th Saudi National Day! Long Live the Kingdom 🎉
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1 Comments
waiting for that
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