The Hague, September 2026 — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marked its 96th National Day on 23 September, commemorating the unification of the country in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud and the establishment of the modern Kingdom. Across Saudi Arabia, the anniversary was celebrated with military displays, traditional folk dances, parades, concerts and fireworks, reflecting the country’s history, cultural heritage and ambitions for the future.
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature”, highlighting six core values: authenticity, courage, determination, generosity, hospitality and vision. The theme reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity while pursuing economic diversification, social development and international cooperation.
In The Hague, the anniversary was celebrated at the emblematic Hotel Des Indes, where H.E. Mr. Shahir Khalid A. Al Khaniny, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Netherlands, hosted a reception attended by a distinguished gathering of Dutch officials, ambassadors, representatives of international organisations, business leaders, academics, and members of the Saudi community.
The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps from countries across the world, alongside members of the business and aviation sectors, cultural and media representatives, and senior executives of companies with strong ties to Saudi Arabia. Representatives of the national carrier Saudia in the Netherlands were also among the guests. Saudi students and members of the Saudi community residing in the Netherlands joined in marking the national occasion.
For Ambassador Al Khaniny, who arrived in the Netherlands in January 2026, this was his first National Day reception in The Hague. The gathering offered an opportunity to recognise the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands and the connections cultivated during his first months in the country.
A vision for the Kingdom’s future
Following the interpretation of the national anthems, Ambassador Al Khaniny welcomed his guests and expressed his appreciation for their presence and friendship.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all today, in joining to celebrate the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Your presence is deeply appreciated, and I am truly grateful for your friendship,” he said.
The Ambassador underlined the significance of the anniversary at a time of far-reaching transformation within the Kingdom, guided by the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
“This year, we celebrate this occasion with immense pride in the transformation taking place across the Kingdom, guided by the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030—a transformation marked by unprecedented development, economic growth, social progress, innovation, and expanding opportunities across all sectors.”
He added that Saudi Arabia was advancing with confidence towards “a more diversified, prosperous, and sustainable future.”
Launched in 2016, Saudi Vision 2030 provides the framework for the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation, seeking to diversify the economy, develop new sectors, expand investment opportunities and enhance the quality of life. The National Day theme complemented these objectives by placing the values of Saudi society alongside the country’s aspirations for the coming decades.
A century of friendship between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands
The Ambassador also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, noting the historical foundations of a relationship that has developed into a broad partnership.
He recalled the early diplomatic contacts between the two countries, including the meeting between Prince Faisal and Queen Wilhelmina, which contributed to strengthening relations and expanding commercial ties. A century later, Saudi-Dutch cooperation encompasses a wide range of shared interests and opportunities.
“A century later, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands went beyond the ties of the past and advanced to a partnership with a strong present and an even greater future,” Ambassador Al Khaniny stated.
Cooperation between the two countries extends across investment, energy, sustainability, water management, agriculture, logistics, innovation, education and science. These fields offer opportunities to combine Saudi Arabia’s development ambitions with Dutch expertise in areas such as water technology, sustainable agriculture, port operations and logistics, and innovative solutions for the energy transition.
The presence of business representatives and senior executives at the reception reflected the importance of these economic connections. The gathering also provided a setting for further exchanges among Dutch and Saudi stakeholders, reinforcing the role of diplomatic engagement in supporting trade, investment and institutional cooperation.
Dialogue and international cooperation
Addressing the wider international context, Ambassador Al Khaniny emphasised the importance of diplomacy and multilateral cooperation at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and continuing conflicts.
“At a time when the world is witnessing growing tensions and an increasing number of conflicts, it stipulates the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes through bilateral engagement and multilateral efforts,” he said.
With world leaders and representatives of the international community gathering in New York for the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly, he stressed the importance of effective multilateralism and the contribution of international organisations to addressing shared challenges.
The Ambassador noted the role of these institutions in strengthening cooperation, advancing peace and security, and promoting constructive engagement among nations. His remarks carried particular relevance in The Hague, home to numerous international organisations and judicial institutions dedicated to international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Dutch Government and people for their friendship, hospitality and continued cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
“May the bonds of friendship between the two Kingdoms continue to deepen, and may Saudi-Dutch relations continue to flourish for the benefit of our two nations and in support of greater international cooperation and prosperity,” he concluded.
An evening of friendship and exchange
The official proceedings were followed by a reception, during which guests took the opportunity to exchange views and strengthen professional and personal connections in a friendly atmosphere.
The gathering at Hotel Des Indes brought together the diplomatic, political, academic and business communities, illustrating the breadth of relationships linking Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. For the Saudi community in the Netherlands, the occasion was also an opportunity to celebrate their country’s history, identity and achievements while sharing the significance of the national anniversary with their Dutch hosts and international friends.
