Saudis and expatriates alike joined the National Day celebrations in the capital on Tuesday, a national holiday, with great zeal to mark the 84th anniversary of the glorious unification of the Kingdom by King Abdul Aziz in 1932.

On this auspicious occasion, princes, high officials, Saudi diplomats in foreign countries and foreign mission heads in Riyadh congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin, the royal family and the citizens for all the wonderful achievements of the Kingdom, a country based on Islam.

Prince Mohammed bin Naif, minister of interior, expressed his deepest congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the crown prince and the deputy crown prince and prayed for the continuing security and stability of the beautiful homeland under their wise leadership.

The minister said in his speech: “The National Day marks the glorious occasion when the founder of our great country, King Abdul Aziz, announced the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a state characterized by peace, faith and security.”

He further asserted that this anniversary marks the strong foundations of the state in the face of deep political unrest in most parts of the world, adding that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah continues the development march in all fields and areas of achievement.

Prince Mohammed also cited the unprecedented and historical expansions of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

Celebrating the day with traditional gaiety and fervor, the young generation, especially children were seen at restaurants and other public places with their families wearing green T-shirts and carrying the National flag with the Arabic testimony of faith — La ilaha il Allahu — Muhammadur Rasulullah — there is no god worthy of worship except the Almighty Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is His messenger.”

To mark this special occasion, a number of amusement and cultural programs were held at landmark locations throughout the Riyadh region and attended by citizens and expatriates alike.

The Riyadh region is scheduled to host 23 events at a number of locations across the province, including in the municipalities of Al-Dariyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Majm’a, Wadi Al-Dawasir and Shagra.

The Riyadh governorate in collaboration with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and other departments in the municipality have organized tourism, heritage and cultural events to enroot the spirit of belonging to the homeland on the occasion of the National Day among both the citizens and expatriates.