The Kingdom's 95th National Day: A historic journey renewed with Vision 2030
With the arrival of the ninety-fifth anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the people of the nation return to the foundational milestones that shaped the features of the modern state since the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud - may God have mercy on him - declared the unification of the country on September 23, 1932. The occasion is no longer just a commemoration of a pivotal historical event, but has turned into a platform to highlight national cohesion and renew the commitment to the future, where popular aspirations meet with Vision 2030, which launched a comprehensive reform and development path that enhances the Kingdom’s position regionally and internationally.
Historical roots and national launch
Academics believe that commemorating the unification of the Kingdom is more than just a recollection of past glories; it is a reaffirmation of the unity of the nation, founded on firm religious and cultural principles. The journey that began with the founder established a model of a modern state that has managed to balance identity and heritage with openness to development and progress.
Dr. Alia Al-Muajjal, Professor of Health Administration at King Saud University, points out that National Day is a milestone for renewing resolve , stressing that the Kingdom has continued over the past decades to strengthen its presence on the international stage through economic policies and investments in renewable energy, education and technology, in addition to hosting global events that have enhanced its position as an influential center on the international scene.
National identity under the slogan "Our pride is in our nature"
The General Entertainment Authority has adopted the slogan “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature” as the identity for the 95th National Day. The slogan reflects a set of values deeply rooted in Saudi society, such as generosity, authenticity, ambition, and magnanimity. These values are not presented merely as cultural symbols, but as active components in shaping national identity and guiding development paths.
The new national identity also highlights the close link between national pride and Vision 2030, where the citizen is at the heart of development and a key participant in shaping the country's future. In this context, the cohesion between the leadership and the people is the cornerstone of the ongoing national transformation process.
Political and social dimensions of National Day
Academic Dr. Khalid Al-Thubaiti explains that the homeland is a political and social value , embodied in cohesion, loyalty, and belonging. He believes that the new identity reflects inherent qualities such as pride, generosity, and courage, thus strengthening the concept of national belonging and giving new generations an opportunity to understand the profound relationship between the past, present, and future.
Strengthening national unity
National Day is an occasion to reaffirm national unity under one banner, and to renew the pledge to continue building in light of the transformations taking place in the Kingdom.
Honoring national achievements
Celebrating National Day is also an occasion to assess the achievements made in sectors such as the economy, education and infrastructure, as well as the giant development projects associated with Vision 2030.
Vision 2030: A Decade of Transformations
The 95th National Day coincided with the 10th anniversary of the launch of Vision 2030, which is based on three strategic pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation . The Vision includes 96 strategic goals that are being pursued through 11 executive programs and a wide range of initiatives.
A vibrant community
Over the past few years, the Kingdom has witnessed initiatives to improve the quality of life, develop health and education services, and enhance the status of its heritage sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Emphasis has also been placed on supporting tourism and cultural and entertainment events, creating new avenues for social and economic engagement.
thriving economy
The Kingdom has made remarkable progress in global competitiveness indicators, the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the GDP has increased, and the sources of national income have diversified thanks to the increase in non-oil activities, and the assets of the Public Investment Fund have grown at a record rate, which has strengthened the Kingdom’s position as a global investment center.
Ambitious nation
In this area, reforms to the government services system through digital transformation stood out, alongside initiatives to protect the environment and support sustainability. The Kingdom also strengthened the role of national talent through localization programs and by providing greater opportunities for participation in development.
Higher education as an engine for development
Dr. Abdullah Al-Wazrah, Professor of Higher Education Administration, affirms that investment in education is a cornerstone of the vision. The number of public and private universities has increased, and the new university system, launched in 2019, granted greater autonomy to academic institutions, allowing for flexibility in adopting new specializations and building local and international partnerships.
Saudi universities have also moved towards establishing advanced research centers in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and big data, in addition to attracting international universities to open branches within the Kingdom. These initiatives represent a practical implementation of the Human Capital Development Program, one of the Vision 2030 programs, which aims to equip citizens with the skills of the future.
Conclusion: Between the past and the future
For ninety-five years, the Kingdom has served as a model for a nation that has successfully blended tradition and modernity. The 95th National Day is not merely a celebration of the unification of the Kingdom, but also a window into the future, where the reformist vision meets the aspirations of new generations, under a renewed confidence in the Kingdom's ability to continue its regional and international role within the changing global balance of power.
