Sep 23, 2022
Saudi Arabia National Day 2022
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day. On this day in 1932, King Abdul Al-Aziz ibn Saud renamed the late kingdoms of Nejd and Hejaz to Saudi Arabia by royal decree. The day honors the unification of multiple groups across the Arabian Peninsula coming together under one banner.
A majority of countries, communities and tribes in the Middle East were under the control of the Ottoman Empire until the end of World War I. King Abdul (also known as Ibn Saud, or Son of Saud) was the ruler of Nejd during this time. By 1925, he conquered and reclaimed a number of territories including his family’s ancestral city Riyadh, the oasis region of Al-Hasa and Hejaz (or western Arabia). He ruled over Nejd and Hejaz until 1932 when he unified both regions and renamed the greater nation to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabians declared National Day a public holiday in 2007. However, celebrations have always occurred since the first year of unification back in 1932. The theme and identity for this year’s National Day reflects the phrase “This is our Home”. The tagline is launched in line with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, a transformation project that aims to broaden the horizons of Saudi Arabia’s economy, society and national interests.
Every year, people enjoy light shows, airplane flyovers by the Saudi Hawks and special deals at malls and other establishments. A fireworks display is also held at night to end the celebrations. Saudis can be seen holding their national flag, like the one waving in today’s artwork.
Happy National Day, Saudi Arabia!
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