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-Historic district hosts music, art and interactive experiences for National Day

-Hosted by Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, celebrations highlight Saudi heritage

Afshan Aziz

JEDDAH: Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district came alive on Tuesday as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate ������Ƶ’s 95th National Day with music, art and interactive experiences organized by the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum.

The event, held at Bab Jadeed courtyard, was a vibrant celebration that connected heritage and national pride through music and creative activities.

Tayeb Al-Tayeb, acting director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, said the event was carefully curated in collaboration with the Jeddah Historic District Program.

“For this year’s Saudi National Day, we worked to create a unique cultural experience celebrating unity and pride,” he said.

“The main performances featured a lineup of well-known musicians, making the celebration at Historic Jeddah truly authentic and memorable for all.”

Families filled the courtyard, enjoying workshops and interactive games designed to engage all ages.

One of the highlights was a collective mural, where visitors contributed to a painting reflecting unity and national identity.

Children also enjoyed the face-painting corner, while a photo booth provided a space for families to capture memories against the backdrop of Jeddah’s iconic architecture. Interactive screens added a modern touch, allowing visitors to explore the history of national anthems and the evolution of Saudi music.

Live performances brought the celebration to life, with selections of national melodies culminating in a concert featuring the music of the late Tarek Abdel Hakim, a pioneer of Saudi music whose works remain closely tied to the country’s patriotic celebrations.

Saudi singer Qusai Kheder performed as a special guest during the event.

“After the museum’s team reached out, we collectively decided I would appear as a surprise guest and perform my classic song ‘Saudi,’ which I released in 2017. 

“Performing it in the heart of Jeddah, among my people, during such a wonderful event, was truly a blessing,” he said.

Visitors praised the variety and organization of the celebrations. Mohammed Abdullah, attending with his family, said: “There were so many well-organized activities that we could enjoy every moment.

“While the stage performances kept the adults entertained, the children had a wonderful time in the kids’ corner, staying engaged and having fun throughout the event.”

Deena Abubakr added: “It’s a special day to celebrate our culture and country, and Al-Balad is the perfect place for it.

“We particularly enjoyed the Royal Guard band and Qusai’s performance, which lifted our spirits. Even though the weather wasn’t ideal, it was worth celebrating and embracing our heritage.”

Another visitor, Fatima Hassan, said: “Everything was so lively and green. People of all ages were busy enjoying the activities.

“My kids loved the horse with the man in traditional costume, and the horse’s dance to the band’s music was truly unique.”

Al-Tayeb added that the event’s wide public participation showcased the community’s enthusiasm for marking a national occasion that continues to inspire pride, unity, and a sense of belonging.