More than 10,000 citizens and expatriates participated in the different events organized to mark the Kingdom’s 84th National Day celebrations in the capital on Tuesday.

“The King Abdul Aziz Historical Center witnessed a remarkable turnout including Saudi citizens and expatriates,” Jamal Omar, director general of the National Museum, said Thursday. He added that the successful event achieved its goals of enhancing passion for the homeland and a sense of belonging through highlighting its historic and cultural significance. Over 10,000 people visited the National Museum on Sept. 23, the National Day.

He said that the celebration program featured a number of events including presentation of the speeches of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, addressing the citizens on this great occasion, in addition to laser shows, a children’s painting exhibition, a photography studio with landscapes illustrating the cultural heritage of the Kingdom, in addition to the distribution of a number of publications and commemorative gifts to

visitors.

There was also a special pavilion displaying the national heritage comprising a large number of handmade and handicraft products, besides several posters illustrating the importance of the occasion.

According to Nasir bin Abdul Kareem Al-Eraifi, director of Al-Musmak Palace Museum, some 5,000 people representing different sections of society visited the museum on the National Day.

He added: “The museum’s exhibits and valuable historic information shown in its different halls were a huge attraction and source of admiration for the visitors, because they embody the Kingdom’s identity and narrate the story of the country’s unification in 1932 by the late King Abdulaziz, the founder."

Al-Musmak visitors during the day were acquainted with the episodes of the storming of Al-Musmak Palace as well as Riyadh’s recapture by King Abdul Aziz, he said.

The visitors also listened to a detailed explanation of the importance of Al-Musmak and the efforts of King Abdul Aziz for the unification of the Kingdom.

A number of pamphlets were handed to the visitors on the occasion. Gifts such as shawls, flags and hats were also given.

These museums are considered a rich source of cultural and historical knowledge for the younger generation.