“King Abdul Aziz laid the foundation for this country of goodness and now the wise leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is leading the Kingdom to international horizons,” the minister said to the applause of the audience.

Saudis all over the Kingdom marked the National Day on Sept. 23 with a variety of programs to remember King Abdul Aziz’s efforts to unify the country and celebrate its achievements over the past years under its various leaders.

Prince Faisal also launched the messengers of peace program initiated by Abdullah to encourage the youth to play an effective role in promoting world peace and stability. The program aims to find 20 million messengers of peace all over the world.

Faisal also toured a photography exhibition at Abrag Al-Raghama, including photos of King Abdul Aziz and his battles to unify the Kingdom, the beginning of the scout movement in the Kingdom, and the scouts’ role in serving the guests of God in Makkah.

Saudi men, women and children in different regions took part in the celebrations. In Madinah, a variety of programs were held — fireworks, processions with decorated vehicles, folk dances, dramas and recreational contests.

Mansour Al-Nuzha, president of Taiba University, opened the festivities in Madinah on Friday. Basma bint Ahmed Gestnia opened the programs at the girls’ section of the university. Girls presented cultural programs to mark the occasion.

In Jeddah, impromptu celebrations at various locations were held with many Saudi and expatriate families joining the procession of cars sprayed in green or decked with the Saudi flag or portraits of their leaders.

Traffic jams were reported in major arterial roads, but the people and the police took it all in good humor. Youths either danced on their cars’ rooftops expressing patriotism or gathered at sidewalks showing spontaneous feelings.

Speaking to Arab News, Saleh, a father of three, said on Saturday: “These acts of celebrations by Saudi youths are to be commended. Youths were waving Saudi flags from their cars and dancing to national theme songs, with others on the streets in Corniche.”

“I am 25 years old, I was born in Jeddah, and although I don’t hold Saudi citizenship I celebrated with my Saudi brothers and friends. I love this country,” said Farooq Ahmad, an expatriate.

Meanwhile, Friends of Jeddah Parks (FJP) held National Day events for the residents of the Nuzla Yamaniya District in South Jeddah in Amira Tarablosi Public Park. FJP arranged fireworks, reading sessions for children and aired a documentary highlighting the history of Jeddah. A local band was there to entertain the audience.