RIYADH: There’s still a day to go, but the celebrations are already in full swing.
Formations from the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Hawks aerobatics team took to the skies above Jeddah on Saturday in preparation for National Day on Monday.
Fighter jets bearing the Saudi flag flew in formation past an audience at the North Corniche of the Jeddah waterfront, with their F15s, F15C, Tornado, Typhoon and MRTT refueling aircraft.
Monday’s celebrations will feature more than 40 entertainment, cultural and sporting events and activities across the country, including festivals, concerts and firework displays.
Major entertainment shows are being staged in Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh, including a special creation from the famous Balich Worldwide Shows. “Tariq Al-Himma” takes the audience on a journey through Saudi Arabia’s past, present and future.
The hour-long performance at the Green Halls in Riyadh will be from September 21 to 23, starting at 9:30 p.m. each night. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Al-Hamra Corniche in Jeddah is the location for “Star Island” on Sept. 23. Fireworks will fill the sky with a dazzling display accompanied by lighting and laser beams.
Riyadh has been covered in green for National Day celebrations. Major streets are hosting festivities including children’s workshops, restaurants and food stalls. The entrance to the event has been designed to resemble the Masmak Palace gate.
The world’s most popular circus show, Cirque du Soleil, presents a specially created hour-long show for Saudi National Day at the Dhahran Expo in Dammam. Featuring 40 artists performing a variety of acrobatic routines, the show begins at 9 p.m. each night until September 23.
In Arar and Najran, there are folk bands and musical theater performances, as well as handicrafts and products made by Saudi families. Saudi female artists exhibited their paintings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in West Arar.
