A complete guide to celebrating Saudi National Day 2023 in Riyadh
Aerial and naval shows will be part of activities set for the 93rd Saudi National Day celebration…
Saudi National Day (Saturday September 23) is approaching again – and this year we’re spoilt for choice with the variety of things to do and fireworks lighting up the sky. From a run-down of special cuisine offerings and Saudi National Day-themed leisure activities to where to watch the fireworks, we’ve got you covered.
So, are you ready to paint the town green and white?
Watch the fireworks and Air Force displays
What’s a celebration without a visual feast? Saudi Arabia’s Armed Forces will participate in various activities to mark the Kingdom’s 93rd National Day, including aerial and marine shows in several regions across the nation.
Residents of Riyadh will be able to watch the different types of Royal Saudi Air Force jets, including Typhoons, F-15s, and Tornados, on Friday September 22 and Saturday September 23 at 4.30pm in the north of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Road at Umm Ajlan Park in the Al-Qayrawan district.
You can also witness the Royal Guard March on Friday September 22 at 4pm at Umm Ajlan Park.
Another must-see is the free fireworks display lighting up the skies at Boulevard Riyadh City. This year’s dazzling fireworks will take place on Saturday September 23 at 9pm.
Try Saudi National Day food specials
We have scoured the capital for some of the best National Day-inspired food for dining in, takeaway, and delivery, in case you don’t feel like cooking. Here’s a round-up of some of the National Day feasts.
A.O.K Kitchen
In celebration of Saudi National Day, A.O.K. Kitchen Riyadh pays an unprecedented homage to the Kingdom by highlighting its dishes made with 100% local Saudi produce on a special, limited-edition menu. Simply look out for the icon decoratively marked by the Kingdom’s emblem of two swords and a palm tree.
Much-loved A.O.K Kitchen dishes made using local Saudi ingredients include the chicken sausage, grilled filet of wild seabass, sauteed new potatoes, grilled jumbo shrimps, grilled baby chicken, courgetti, shakshuka, rumbled eggs, grilled chicken paillard, grilled sirloin tagliata, BBQ aubergine, roasted cauliflower and chicken burgers. The menus will also be served alongside a greeting card displaying the beautiful purple Khozama flower – a nod to Saudi’s famous lavender fields.
A.O.K. Kitchen will also offer teas from Barriya, a local artisan tea brand known for its fragrance locally inspired blends. Those visiting the restaurant on National Day itself will be served dates and traditional Saudi coffee to showcase the renowned Arab hospitality.
Azure
Available from September 21 to 23, you can indulge in a smorgasbord of Spanish tapas for only SAR93 for two.
For reservations, please call 053 341 1234.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Celebrate Saudi National Day in culinary style at The Grill from September 22 to 24. Dig into traditional favourites, such as Jareesh, Lamb Kubeba, Magash Shrimp, Hot Mezzeh with Yagmesh and Cheese Mutabeq. Savour them alongside a special National Day mocktail, Hani – a name that embodies the spirit of happiness, joy, and blessings in Arabic – at the hotel’s Lobby Lounge.
For bookings, please call 011 211 5500.
Il Baretto
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The much-loved Italian restaurant takes a different route by collaborating with Saudi artist Abdulmohsen AlRowais, who will put his own unique mark on the restaurant throughout September. Abdulmohsen will paint his signature colourful shapes and motifs over existing displayed artworks and on glass windows – creating a head-turning mix of classic Italian photographs overlayed with colourful Saudi strokes. The celebrated artist will also paint over the restaurant’s plates using his signature colours and strokes inspired by the Kingdom to create a visual feast. Then, indulge in a specially curated drink and dessert based on the vivid colours of Abdulmohsen’s work.
Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences
Enjoy a delightful spread featuring delicious Saudi dishes at Teatro’s lunch buffet, available from 1pm to 4pm and dinner buffet between 6.30pm and 11pm on Saturday September 23. For SAR193 per person, the buffet includes traditional delicacies, such as kabsa, mgalgal and gursan, a live pasta station, and soft drinks.
Fancy Armenian cuisine? Dine at Mayrig on Saturday September 23 and enjoy a 20 per cent discount on the regular a la carte menu. Some must-tries include Mante, Hamegh Seroung, an assortment of Armenian kebabs and Armenian-style seafood.
That’s not all. You’ll also get to enjoy a 20 per cent discount on the regular a la carte menu at Lotus, the hotel’s Asian-inspired restaurant, on Sunday September 24. It will feature a host of Asian delights, including sushi, teppanyaki, and various noodle and rice dishes.
Moreover, from September 21 to 25, guests will be able to sample the Heart of Riyadh Mixology mocktail made from a delightful melange of green apple, spinach, mint and lemon juices with a dash of honey and ginger. It’s a great drink to celebrate Saudi National Day and will be served across the hotel’s outlets Ambar, Mayrig, Lotus and Anar for a special price of SAR15.
For reservations, please call +966 11 234 6666 or email [email protected]
Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport
From September 21 to 23, indulge in various flavourful traditional Saudi dishes for dinner whilst enjoying live feel-good music in the background. Plus, a two-metre-tall cake will be displayed in the lobby on National Day, and you’re more than welcome to grab a slice.
Riyadh Marriott Hotel
If you’re looking to embark on a culinary journey through Saudi Arabia, the Saudi brunch at Mosaic Restaurant on September 22 and 23 is an experience not to be missed. For the affordable price of SAR193, you can indulge in a feast of flavours that will transport you to the heart of Saudi Arabian cuisine.
For bookings, please call 011 477 9300.
Roka
In celebration of Saudi National Day, ROKA and So Matcha have joined forces for a dessert and mocktail collab. Available until September 30, the mochi dessert So Matcha Tea Mochi and matcha mocktail So Matcha Midori Umi are made of organic So Matcha tincture mixed with refreshing ingredients consisting of mint and pineapple cordial, lemon salt and vanilla.
For reservations, please call 9200 12327.
Rüya
Look forward to a series of exclusive menu items – available on September 22 and 23 – designed to commemorate the restaurant’s first-ever Saudi National Day in the Kingdom. An ode to Saudi Arabia’s rich culinary heritage, the exclusive dishes include a decadent Pistachio Cake, homemade Dates Ice Cream made from local dates, Turkish Coffee with cardamom, and the Nazar Sour mocktail, which has a fresh new look right in time for Saudi National Day in a vibrant green hue. Taking the experience to the next level on both evenings will be Rüya’s resident DJ to curate a melodic journey that whisks diners away on a one-of-a-kind dining experience that fuses Saudi traditions with Anatolian influences.
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
Celebrate Saudi National Day with a meal at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh. Enjoy a traditional buffet priced at SAR325 for adults and SAR175 for kids. Plus, there will be live music and plenty of kids activities during the dinner buffet.
National Day Lunch, 12.30pm to 4pm & National Day Dinner, 6.30pm to midnight. For reservations, please
call 011 802 8020.
Maximise your long weekend staycations
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre
Looking to splurge a little bit? Families can celebrate with a perfect staycation by booking a luxurious stay in the Royal suite. Valid for stays from September 20 to 24, the hotel offer includes an entrance to At-Turaif in Diriyah and Bujairi Terrace, limousine drop-off and pick-up to Diriyah Heritage site, and special amenities such as a traditional dinner with Arabic oud player in the privacy of the suite. Additional perks include a guaranteed 6pm late check-out; a Saudi National Day cake and much more. Guests can also enjoy special room rates, including Skybridge tickets and special offers on dining and spa.
For more information or bookings, please call 011 211 5888.
Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences
You can get up to 20 per cent off when booking three nights or more from September 21 to 24. There will be a host of National Day festivities like henna art for ladies, live traditional music and the Arda dance, and an inviting Saudi sweets station in the lobby serving Arabic coffee and more. And if you prefer dining from the comfort of your own room, there is a 15 per cent discount on all a la carte items in the In Room Dining menu on September 23.
For reservations, please call 011 234 6666 or email [email protected]
Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
To celebrate the upcoming National Day, Mansard Riyadh will decorate its lobby with stunning green and white flowers, with its hotel façade being illuminated in green. Enjoy the finest Saudi coffee and delicious dates in the hotel’s lobby, along with a selection of delectable, green-coloured pastries. Take advantage of the hotel’s numerous amenities, including the pool and gym. Guests can also dine at New York hotspot Sadelle’s, a brunchtime favourite, or L’ami Dave, which is described as a homage to luxurious fine-dining in Paris. As a special welcome treat for Saudi National Day, Sadelle’s will also offer complimentary, green-coloured mocktails to guests, enhancing their culinary adventure. Plus, if you book directly through the hotel, you’ll get 15 per cent savings on its Best Available Rate.
To enjoy a discounted stay during the holiday, please contact the hotel at [email protected]
Take part in a National Day trivia at Black Tap
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Get your craze on and gear up for an electrifying Shake It Up Trivia extravaganza on Saudi National Day. Challenge your wits, unlock Saudi x Black Tap KSA trivia secrets, and snag a free Saudi Cakeshake as the ultimate prize.
Fun family events at Nofa
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Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and make a trip to Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort. For the Saudi National Day weekend (September 21 to 23) from 10am to 10pm, guests can enjoy a plethora of exciting activities. Foodies can tuck into a mouthwatering gourmet Saudi menu. While you savour these delicacies with friends, family and loved ones, younger guests can check out The Children’s Oasis, a dedicated club with its own pool area. There’s also the entertainment centre, which houses a cinema, bowling alley, and a children’s adventure park, all designed to provide endless fun.
The National Day festivities extend beyond the dining experience. Nofa Riyadh’s signature Desert Adventures beckon guests to journey through the dunes atop prized camels. Along the way, you’ll stop at the traditional Bedouin tents, where aromatic Saudi coffee and the finest sweet dates await. Meanwhile, children can enjoy, make new friends, and get their creative juices flowing as they craft camel ornaments. Love art? There’s also a specially curated pop-up gallery to give you a glimpse of what to expect when the highly anticipated Nofa Atelier art gallery opens its doors.
For bookings please contact [email protected]
Shower your loved ones with the best gifts
Bateel
Bateel introduces its Legacy Collection in celebration of Saudi National Day. The new Legacy Collection pays homage to the nation’s rich heritage whilst taking pride in Bateel’s Saudi Arabian roots and its unparalleled legacy as the world’s only gourmet dates grower. Embracing the vivid green of the Saudi Arabian flag, the collection features geometric patterns and motifs inspired by the traditional Sadu embroidery, a Bedouin form of weaving. The range is available in three size options and can be filled with a selection of Bateel’s gourmet fillings, including decadent ganache and pralines, chocolate truffles encased in the finest single-origin chocolate, delicious Maamoul, and Bateel’s assorted organic, plain, or filled dates, as well as the brand’s signature Date Chocolate Delice.
Available online and across Bateel’s boutiques. @bateelgourmet
Carolina Herrera
For the latest fashionable finds, why not gift the special ladies in your life with the Bimba Bag from CH Carolina Herrera? In celebration of Saudi National Day, CH Carolina Herrera unveils a new colour of its iconic bag. Set to exclusively prelaunch in Saudi Arabia on September 23, the Bimba, a bag that has seen infinite fantasy versions over time, all created by hand by skilled artisans, now appears in a new colour: Brume, a hazy, gentle, shade of blue.
Available at Carolina Herrera stores in Faisaliyah Mall and Kingdom Mall.
Get involved with #YouthOfTheFuture Campaign
In celebration of Saudi National Day, Namshi and adidas have designed a competition that will captivate the hearts of sports enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike. Here’s your chance to win SAR1,000 Namshi credits to spend on adidas product. All you have to do is take a photo or video of an adidas item (socks, shoes, cap or T-shirt) in Saudi Arabia (this could be worn or showcased as long as they’re clearly visible), and upload it to TikTok with the hashtag #youthofthefuture and tag @namshi and @adidas. The post with the most likes will win the competition.
The competition runs until September 21 and winner will be announced on September 22.
Images: Provided / Instagram