KHALIDH RIZWAN
COLOMBO Today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its 95th National Day, marking nearly a century since the historic unification of the Arabian Peninsula under the leadership of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud in 1932. From a desert kingdom to a global powerhouse at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, Saudi Arabia’s story is one of resilience, faith, and ambition.
The unification of Saudi Arabia is one of the most remarkable nation-building stories of the 20th century. On 23 September 1932, King Abdulaziz declared the formation of the modern Kingdom, consolidating disparate regions into a single state governed by the principles of justice, Islamic values, and national solidarity.
Under his vision, Saudi Arabia quickly became recognized as the heartland of the Islamic world, home to the two holiest cities— Makkah and Madinah —attracting millions of pilgrims each year for Hajj and Umrah. This spiritual leadership remains a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s identity, shaping its domestic policies and international role.
Modern Achievements: Vision 2030 and Beyond
Today, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia stands at the forefront of a bold transformation. The Vision 2030 strategy, launched in 2016, has been a game-changer, diversifying the economy beyond oil and positioning the Kingdom as a hub of innovation, tourism, and sustainability.
Key achievements include:
Economic Diversification: Expansion into renewable energy, entertainment, and technology sectors. Saudi Arabia is now one of the fastest-growing economies in the G20.
NEOM Megacity Project: A futuristic $500 billion smart city rising in the northwest desert, blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable living.
Cultural Renaissance: Reopening cinemas, hosting global sporting events, and reviving Saudi heritage sites for tourism—drawing millions of international visitors.
Women’s Empowerment: Women are now part of the workforce, driving, leading businesses, and contributing to national development like never before.
Green Saudi & Green Middle East Initiatives: A pledge to plant billions of trees and reduce carbon emissions, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s role in global climate action.
This transformation is not only economic, it represents a reshaping of identity. As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has declared, Saudi Arabia is “returning to its roots as a vibrant, open society” while proudly safeguarding its Islamic and cultural traditions.
The 95th National Day: Pride in Our Nature
This year’s celebration is held under the inspiring motto: “Our Pride is in Our Nature.” The theme reflects the Kingdom’s deep connection to its values—hospitality, solidarity, generosity, ambition, and authenticity—while showcasing its unique landscapes and cultural heritage.
Across Saudi Arabia, the National Day is marked with:
Spectacular Air Shows by the Saudi Hawks, painting the skies in green and white.
Firework Displays illuminating the skylines of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Traditional Dances and Folk Arts, including the famous Ardah, where swords and poetry combine in a rhythmic expression of national pride.
Music and Cultural Festivals such as the Azimuth Festival in AlUla, where international artists perform amidst the breathtaking ancient rock formations.
Public Decorations with green flags, patriotic slogans, and illuminations transforming cities into vibrant seas of light.
For Saudis, the 95th National Day is more than a celebration—it is a reaffirmation of identity, unity, and the unwavering journey toward a prosperous future.
Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka: Bonds of Friendship
Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka share a relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation. The Kingdom is home to nearly one million Sri Lankan expatriates, who contribute significantly to both economies and serve as a living bridge between the two nations.
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has been instrumental in supporting Sri Lanka through grants and concessional loans for infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects. In return, Sri Lanka has consistently valued Saudi Arabia’s role as a trusted partner in development and humanitarian relief.
Culturally and religiously, the Kingdom holds deep importance for Sri Lankan Muslims, thousands of whom perform the pilgrimage to Makkah each year. This spiritual connection further cements the bond between the two nations.
As Sri Lanka congratulates Saudi Arabia on its 95th National Day, it also looks forward to enhanced collaboration in tourism, renewable energy, trade, and cultural exchange—sectors identified under Vision 2030 as areas of global partnership.
On this 95th National Day, we salute the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its people. May the bond between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka continue to flourish, bringing prosperity and peace to both nations.
Happy 95th National Day, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!
