Mon, 2018-09-24 01:22
RIYADH/JEDDAH/DUBAI: It was a day that captured the heightened spirit of a nation.
In a year of remarkable changes, Saudi National Day on Sunday took on an exuberance like no other celebration before it, with enough fireworks to break a world record, people celebrating together outdoors across the land and landmarks around the world illuminated with the flag.
In a speech marking the Kingdoms 88th National Day, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised the nations growth under King Salman, saying that while Vision 2030 “looks forward to the future,” Saudi Arabia “will remain committed to the principles” of Islam, “the religion of tolerance and moderation.”
The crown prince said National Day is an opportunity to recall the achievements of the countrys founder, King Abdul Aziz, and his sons. “On our National Day, we take pride in our countrys position on an international, Islamic and Arab level.”
His sentiments were echoed by citizens, who gathered last night in 20 cities to watch more than 900,000 fireworks light up the sky.
“I am so happy with all the changes going on under the visionary leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi women are happy to join the National Day parades, this year behind the wheel,” said Saudi actor and presenter Khairiah Abu Laban.
“We went around the city to see the lighting and the fireworks,” said Saleh Al-Omri, a pharmacist in Riyadh. “Green and white balloons fill either side of Riyadh streets.”
Saudi Arabias friends around the world outdid themselves in expressing their wishes to the Kingdom over the weekend, culminating on the day.
The Burj Khalifa was illuminated with the Saudi flag, while the Nasdaq Towers digital billboard in New Yorks Times Square was lit up with photos of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the flags of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
In Lebanon, Pigeon Rocks, in Raouché off the coast of Beirut, were lit in the colors of the Saudi flag.
The UAEs airlines got in on the game. Emirates operated a special one-off A380 service on Sunday to Riyadh, and crew handed out scarves emblazoned with the countries flags.
Not to be outdone, Etihad said it was using the only Saudi A380 pilot in the world, Wesam Sameer Al-Najjar, to fly its Year of Zayed plane to Jeddah with the UAEs Captain Ahmed Almalood.
And if all that wasnt enough, King Salman added an extra day, Monday, to the holiday.
Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: 88th Saudi National Daysaudi national day 2018 Saudi Arabias journey: From 1932 to 2030 and beyondSaudi women mark National Day behind the steering wheelWorld celebrates Saudi National DaySaudi Ports Authority: A history of continuous support from the state
[contf]
[contfnew]
Arab News
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
