Saudi Arabia has unveiled epic plans to celebrate the country's upcoming 89th National Day, annually marked on Sept. 23. Celebrations will run on for days and feature packed entertainment schedules, concerts, firework shows, and several other exciting events that are set to be held across the kingdom.
To add to the festive vibes, the country has announced a four-day holiday to further enjoy the occasion.
Here's all you need to know about this year's huge National Day celebration plans:
1. The country's entertainment authority is organizing the celebrations
The kingdom's General Entertainment Authority (GEA) is overseeing and organizing all events related to what has been dubbed "The National Day Season." Inspired by the words of the country's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this year's celebrations will be held under the slogan: "Saudis' mettle is like that of the Tuwaiq mountain."
Speaking at a press conference held in Riyadh on Sunday, GEA's CEO Amr Banaja said several events and activities are planned in 13 regions across the country between Sept. 19 and 23. GEA also created 150 smartphone apps to help people track National Day events.
"The GEA is proud to oversee the Saudi National Day Season activities by launching a unified identity that brings together the society under 'Himma Hatta El-Qimmah' [Mettle until reaching the top]," Banaja explained.
"We are keen to have the largest international events to create an exceptional season befitting this dear country," he stated.
2. Over 700,000 fireworks are set to be fired in celebration
Banaja confirmed a huge firework show will be held in Jeddah's Al-Hamra Corniche. The event will be accompanied by sound and light effects in addition to laser shows.
"This year fireworks celebrations will continue for several days where more than 700,000 shots will be fired at an altitude of up to 300 meters, accompanied by music," he added.
3. There's going to be a special National Day "Cirque du Soleil" show
According to Arab News, the world renowned Cirque du Soleil will put on a show "specially designed for the Saudi National Day."
The event will take place as part of the five-day Dhahran Exhibition which will be launched in Dammam starting Sept. 19.
4. Concerts are scheduled to take place all over the country
More than eight concerts are set to be held featuring both local, Arab, and international stars.
Performers include Nabil Shuail, Abdullah Al-Rowaished, Aseel Abu Bakr, Majid Al-Mohandes, Waad, Dalia Mubarak, Rashid Al-Majid, Balqees Fathi, Mohammed Abdu, and Hussein Al-Jasmi.
5. Aero, acrobat, and falcon shows are also part of the package
Over 40 international artists are set to arrive in the country to perform in 14 shows featuring "acrobatics, sports, music, and dance."
A major aero show will be taking place in Jeddah and the kingdom's Eastern province. A Saudi falcon show will also be hosted in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
6. Inspirational forums will be held in five cities
Inspirational speakers will be sharing their experiences with the public in several forums that will take place in five cities. According to Arab News, these events will be held in Medina and Tabuk on Sept. 19. Similar forums will be hosted in Abha and Buraidah on Sept. 21, while in Hail they're set to take place on Sept. 23.