RIYADH: Green lights illuminated Riyadh as the Kingdom celebrated its 95th national day on Tuesday — with cars adorned by flags, streets filled with music, and children exchanging candy and bracelets in traffic — the people’s patriotism was on full display.
Crowds gathered across the city to bask in the heritage of the Kingdom and its vision moving forward, and the excitement at King Abdullah Financial District was no exception.
Foreigners and locals alike took part in the day’s activities, including Flaminia Avola from Italy, who has been living and working in the Kingdom since May.
“Until now I can say that it is an amazing experience, and national day is so fantastic. You have so many things to do.”
Avola took her mother to KAFD to view all the different amenities and said that she was most excited to see the fireworks show.
“I think that the financial district is very nice because it’s very close to the main area of the city and it’s a mix between the new and the old.
“So, it’s very nice to see that you are open to a new type of style but at the same time keep your culture … that’s very important, to not lose your culture.”
As to what she is most excited about in Ƶ’s future, Avola is keen to experience Expo 2030.
“I think the country is on a very good path to make the Expo and World Cup successful, so I wish them the best of luck.”
Carl Tuazon, an admin secretary from the Philippines, has lived in Ƶ for almost ten years.
“All the people are very cooperative and really generous in many ways,” Tuazon said, adding that he encounters kind and generous people every day, from his days at work to social outings such as national day.
“Compared to other countries, national day here in Saudi is very nice. They really adopt the culture of being Saudi.”
Having witnessed many of the country’s developments first-hand, Tuazon said that he is enthusiastic about what is to come.
“I’m very excited for the 2030 Vision of the crown prince, and I’m looking forward to seeing the changes here in Ƶ.”
English teachers Mirna Al-Sabbagh from Egypt and Nada Bouzir from Tunisia also spoke to Arab News about their experience living in Ƶ for the past few years.
“It’s beautiful and so comfortable, the normal basic life feels like luxury. I’m so lucky to be here,” Al-Sabbagh said.
“I really love national day because it’s so lively and full of green colors, and everyone is just so excited.
“I feel like I’m in my own country because all of them are just welcoming everyone, so it’s really friendly and cozy.”
Bouzir shared similar sentiments, saying that she loves how people are so proud of their nationality, displaying it in their dress and performances.
Reflecting on her time in the Kingdom so far, Bouzir said that she feels very comfortable and is particularly thankful for how safe the country is.
“Especially the security here, as a woman it’s very important to be secure, to go out wherever you want to without worry.”
Lines gathered as eager visitors participated in various activities, from photo booths to live art shows, from traditional dance to national songs.
Saudi native and health educator, Amer Mansour Al-Hazobar, who was volunteering at KAFD to assist the celebrations, shared his sentiments and well wishes to his home country.
“Praise be to God for the lasting security and safety, and thanks be to God for the blessing of the Kingdom of Ƶ.
“May God preserve this security and safety, and God willing, may we always be celebrating together. May God ease the hardships of any Arab country facing difficulties, and may He keep the joys everlasting, God willing.”
Al-Hazobar said that he is excited about Ƶ taking center stage in the coming years with Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
“And Saudi Vision 2030, may God bring it forward, we need it.”
