Expatriates across Saudi Arabia have shown appreciation for the important and most anticipated event in the kingdom - the National Day of Saudi Arabia .
" Saudi National Day is a designated date that marks the nationality and independence of Saudi Arabia " , Badriah Almuzaini , director of Tiny Tots International School , told Arab News .
" We celebrate every year and I'm really looking forward to this year's celebration ," he added .
Thara Karthik , 38 , a work of expatriate Indians as a kindergarten teacher in the same school , said he understands the essence of the event , although she is not blood Arabia.
" Although I am not a Saudi citizen , I know for a fact that the Saudis celebrate it to commemorate the unification of the motherland as a whole ," she said .
" I am impressed with how the Saudis celebrate it , because they show their unity and patriotic spirit during the event," Karthik said.
The Saudi National Day is celebrated on September 23 , to celebrate the unification of the Kingdom after a hard fought battle led by its founder and first king , King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al - Saud (May his soul rest in peace ) .
According to historical texts , King Abdul Aziz began conquering Saudi Arabia in 1902 and became successful in doing so .
He later issued a royal decree on 18 September 1932 ( 17 Jomada Al - oula 1351 ) declaring the unification of the whole kingdom , and appointed him to Saudi Arabia on September 23, 1932 .
Today , Saudis celebrate the event by performing various activities showing their nationalism . Among them are the parades , exhibitions , culture and entertainment fees , among others .
Some expatriates say that Saudis festivities National Day celebration is comparable to their homeland .
Eugenio Pastoral II , a student in Second Philippine International School Philippine compared Philippines Saudi National Day celebration of Independence Day .
"I saw a lot of people walking the streets of Riyadh dressed in their traditional clothing or wearing green last National Day of Saudi Arabia . This aspect is like the celebration of Independence Day of the Philippines , because we also hold parades dressed in our traditional costumes and have fun at the same time showing our pride as Filipinos , "said Ministry .
Pastoral added that schools in the Philippines , the authorities always perform activities based on culture and heritage during the celebration of the national day of the country , which is the same as in Saudi Arabia .
A South African teacher at an international school in Riyadh also said Saudi national day remembered his own National Day celebration in South Africa .
" This reminds me of our National Day celebration at home, where they also show our culture and heritage openly," she said .
" There are no major differences besides the national color , but the essence of being proud of their nationality during the day is what makes it similar to ours ," he added .
In India , Karthik said that people celebrate their national day with enthusiasm and optimism that she thought that is similar to the conclusion in Saudi Arabia .
" Whenever I witness the excitement and happiness of Saudi nationals , during the National Day , I can not help remembering my hometown and how we celebrate in India . "
An American expatriate , on the other hand, said it is " very different" from their National Day celebration in the U.S. , but the "get together " and "unity " part is pretty much the same .
" In the U.S. , we celebrate our National Day in private . Relatives and friends come to grill a beef and eat together ," she said .
" We celebrate the National Day to enjoy the company of each other and launch some fireworks in the skies ," he added .
O. Lara , an expatriate Canadian , agreed and said that was also different in Canada .
" National Day Celebrations are Canada 's quieter compared to the UK , because I think there are more people in Saudi Arabia in relation to our country , hence more participants ," said Lara .
" Saudis are very energetic and happy during the two National Day celebrations , which I witnessed in my stay here ," he added .
Perhaps one of the most notable changes that occur every National Day of Arabia may be the predominant number of green throughout the Kingdom - Riyadh main roads are decorated with a flag of the United fleet as well as other decorations green , Saudi nationals during the green dress parades , broadsheets releasing special editions with green headers , and even large buildings in the capital or displaying a green flag or green light illuminating in the case of Al - Mamlakah Kingdom tower and the Al - Faisaliah tower in Riyadh.
It is , as such , because it is the color of the national flag of Saudi Arabia , and can be regarded as the national color of the Kingdom .
The color green symbolizes Islam , the religion of the kingdom , while the sword is white King Abdulaziz and the House of Saud , the founder of the Kingdom . The Arabic text is translated as : " There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God " , symbolizing faith and commitment to Islam of the Saudis .
" That's what I always witness every National Day of Saudi , Saudis and waving proudly displaying their national flag during parades and major roads in Riyadh ," said Ministry .
" And what is good about it is after his show , they do not leave Saudi flags in the streets . They are pretty neat ," he added .
Other expatriates told Arab News that they mark National Day celebrations in Saudi Arabia every year and always make sure they have time to witness it due to various reasons .
Among the main reasons could be fireworks usually done overnight celebration .
An American working for a prestigious company in Riyadh said he witnessed parades and Saudi National Day celebrations during your stay in the Kingdom, but for her nothing beats the colorful display of fireworks .
" It's good to see Saudis cooperating with each other and have tons of fun every time you celebrate your national day ," she said .
" Although for me , the fireworks is the most exciting part of the party ," he added .
Karthik agreed saying that always expect the fireworks during celebrations of the National Day of Saudi Arabia because of chromatic display of colors in the field of black night sky .
" My family and I always take time to leave our home and witness the impressive display of fireworks every National Day of Arabia ," she said .
Although expatriates are labeled as "guests " in the kingdom , they said they also have a role in the Saudi National Day celebration .
" Our role as expatriates during the celebration is to be there and marvel at the amazing display of emotions Saudis , unity and happiness as you celebrate it ," said an American expatriate .
" We can also help by being a part of the various activities that occur throughout the Kingdom and help students prepare before the event , since they are educators ," said South African teacher .
Expatriates are eager to celebrate the National Day of Saudi and hope that , somehow , they can show the kingdom despite being invited , they care for the country he considers as his " second home ."