Jeddah Corniche was packed to capacity on Tuesday as thousands of citizens flocked to the beachfront to celebrate their National Day, despite the heavy traffic.

Citizens were seen dancing and waving Saudi flags. “I will celebrate the National Day for three days at the Corniche with my friends. This area is the best place for national celebrations,” Fahad Al-Aqail, a young Saudi, told Arab News.

Abdallah Al-Nawir, a social science professor at King Abdulaziz University, urged young Saudis to obey the law and not cause trouble for other people.

He said the most popular places for Saudis in Jeddah and the Eastern Province to celebrate the National Day was at the beachfront.

Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah has overseen the organization of various events in Jeddah, including traditional arts, fireworks displays and the hoisting of the Saudi flag from the world’s tallest flagpole. An organizing committee was set by the governor and supervised by Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras.

“The fireworks at the Jeddah Corniche on National Day is the main reason for me going there with my friends,” said Samer Al-Banoui, a Saudi citizen.

Zaid Al-Hamzi, spokesman of the Jeddah Traffic Department, told Arab News that police officers were out in force to help ease the congestion on the city's roads.