Thousands of people, including families and orphans from five charity organizations, enjoyed the Saudi National Day celebrations organized by Aramco on its Jeddah premises on Sunday. About 200 children participated in an art workshop, where they painted the Kingdom’s name.
Other highlights of the evening included a painting corner operated by Saudi artist Rasha Al-Sharhan, a clowns show, a cultural program with folk, national and patriotic songs and exhibition of folk and traditional dances of Hijaz, a “Baba Farhan” show, a quiz contest for children, a thematic stall set up by the Ateeq Trochet group to keep the city clean, face painting for children and a special corner for an old currency exhibition of Saudi money.
Talking to Arab News, Al-Sharhan said: “The theme of my paintings is horses and the traditional look of Saudi women, through which I would like to spread the message that Saudi women have a strong personality and that they are also participants in the country’s progress and development. Saudi tradition and culture can also be seen in my paintings.”
Diyna Riyana’s Ateeq Trochet group displayed their hand-made products using recycled material aimed at spreading awareness to keep the city and country clean. The group made different items in crochet work, including cushions, floor seating, storage bags and decorative items.
Hamid Al-Bukhari from the Saudi Heritage Society, who set up the corner for old Saudi coins, told Arab News that they had currency collections dating back to the time when King Abdulaziz established the first currency, which was the silver riyal, in addition to the first SR100, SR50, SR10 bills during the King Saud era.
A total of 15 volunteers participated in the event. One of the volunteers, Abeer Akbar from the Ministry of Health, said that she is thankful to the country’s leadership for providing it with peace and security.
“I am very happy that we are celebrating our 83rd National Day under the guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Aramco has always extended complete support and it is a blessing for us to have a peaceful country,” said Mohammed Hamza, a well-known Saudi artist.
Khadija Al-Hamid, a little girl participating in the celebrations, said she enjoyed joining in making the Saudi flag.
