His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al Madinah Region, sponsored the region’s ceremony marking the 95th National Day, held under the slogan “Our Pride is Our Character,” at the King Salman International Convention Center. Upon his arrival, the royal anthem was played, after which the ceremony’s segments began with a welcoming introduction reflecting feelings of pride and honor on this precious national occasion, which represents an opportunity to recall the journey of the Founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – in unifying and building this great entity. Following that, a poet recited a classical Arabic patriotic poem, praising the families of martyrs in appreciation of their sons’ sacrifices in defense of religion and homeland; the recitation coincided with a visual display on screens highlighting pictures of the martyrs and their families. Another poet then recited a Nabati poem expressing feelings of loyalty, belonging, and pride in the nation and its leadership. During the ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al Madinah Region and Chairman of the Region’s Development Authority Board, launched the tourism identity for Al Madinah, which aims to develop the tourism sector and enhance the city’s status as a leading global destination, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The launch of the tourism identity coincided with the 95th National Day, affirming his keenness for this occasion to be a prominent milestone in the memory of residents and visitors, and appreciating their presence for this announcement, accompanying the nation’s celebrations of its glorious day. Subsequently, a narrator presented a narrative scene covering the story of the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – to Al Madinah, linking it to the scene of its entry during the era of the Founding King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – in a narrative tableau enhanced by light and sound effects for greater depth and impact. The ceremony concluded with segments of the national operetta, which varied between theatrical and folkloric performances, and His Royal Highness the Governor of Al Madinah Region concluded it by participating with the attendees in performing the Saudi Ardah.

King Salman International Convention Center

The King Salman International Convention Center is a major convention and exhibition facility located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was inaugurated in 2023 as part of the King Salman Park, one of the world’s largest urban park projects, and is designed to host a wide range of local and international events, conferences, and exhibitions. Its development is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to position Riyadh as a leading global hub for business and tourism.

Al Madinah Region

The Al Madinah Region in western Saudi Arabia is one of the most significant Islamic cultural sites, as it is home to the city of Medina. This city, originally known as Yathrib, gained profound historical and religious importance after the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijrah) in 622 CE, establishing it as the capital of the first Islamic state. Today, it is revered for the Prophet’s Mosque, which contains his tomb and is one of the two holiest cities in Islam.

Saudi Vision 2030

Saudi Vision 2030 is not a physical place but a strategic framework and blueprint for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s future. Launched in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, its goal is to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. The vision represents a profound socio-economic transformation aimed at positioning the country as a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents.

Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad is the founder of Islam and is considered by Muslims to be the final prophet of God. He was born in Mecca in the 7th century and received his first revelation from God through the angel Gabriel, which formed the basis of the Quran. His teachings and life events, which are recorded in the Hadith, form the central foundation of Islamic faith and law.

Founding King Abdulaziz

The Founding King Abdulaziz refers to King Abdulaziz Al Saud (c. 1876-1953), the founder and first monarch of Saudi Arabia. He is renowned for reclaiming his ancestral home of Riyadh in 1902 and leading a series of military and political campaigns that culminated in the unification of the vast majority of the Arabian Peninsula, proclaiming the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. His legacy as the nation’s unifier and founding father is commemorated throughout the country, including the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran.

Al Madinah

Al Madinah, also known as Medina, is a city in Saudi Arabia revered as the second holiest city in Islam. It was the destination of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijrah) in 622 CE and served as the capital of the early Muslim community. The city is most famous for Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque), which contains his tomb and is a major site of pilgrimage.

Saudi Ardah

Saudi Ardah is a traditional folk dance and cultural performance that is considered a symbol of the heritage and identity of Saudi Arabia. Historically, it originated as a war dance performed by tribes before battles to display strength and unity. Today, it is performed at national celebrations and cultural events, featuring men in two rows dancing to rhythmic drumbeats and poetry recitations.

National Day

“National Day” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a general term for a holiday commemorating a nation’s independence, founding, or a significant historical event. For example, France’s Bastille Day (July 14) marks the start of the French Revolution, while the United States’ Independence Day (July 4) celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. These holidays are typically observed with public ceremonies, parades, and fireworks to foster national unity and pride.