On Saudi Arabia’s national day on Tuesday, green and white flags fluttered in small and large cities across the nation as hundreds of thousands of citizens came out to celebrate their nation's 84th National Day, and recall how King Abdul Aziz and his men had fought epic battles to unify the Kingdom.
The unfurling of the tallest flag pole was one of the main attractions in Jeddah. The flag, which is 49.5 meters long, 33 meters wide, and weighing a whopping 570 kg was hoisted on a 170-meter pole. The flag pole was officially entered into the Guiness Book of Records on the National Day. There were huge processions in major cities with young men and women joyfully expressing their love for their country in their cars painted in green or covered by the national flag.
Special cultural and sports programs were held in different parts of the country. Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah inaugurated a cycling marathon race in the capital while Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif participated in a sword dance in Dammam.
Festivities included a group of young pilots in 11 aircraft retracing by air King Abdul Aziz’s journey on a camel 116 years ago from Kuwait to Riyadh, airshows, fireworks, traditional dances, exhibitions and other activities.
Mohammed Saad Al-Salim, chairman of the board of trustees of the King Fahd National Library and a former Shoura member, highlighted the significance of the National Day because it gives the younger generation an opportunity to remember their fathers and forefathers who fought for their country and toiled hard for its development.
“Every Saudi citizen has the right to celebrate the National Day as they enjoy the remarkable progress and prosperity achieved by their country under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman.”
Lateefa bint Sulaiman Abunayan, assistant social affairs minister, commended King Abdullah’s initiatives to empower Saudi women and protect their rights. “Women now hold top positions in the government.”
She said the Kingdom’s five-year development plan focuses on improving the living standards of citizens.
By P.K. Abdul Ghafour
