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The General Entertainment Authority collaborated with multiple government and private entities to present two days of air, military and land displays in Riyadh as part of nationwide Saudi National Day observances. Events took place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham on September 22 and 23 with public access beginning at 2pm and the main programme starting at 4pm according to a Saudi Press Agency release. The shows formed the centrepiece of celebrations in the capital that also included pavilions highlighting the contributions of various ministries and agencies.
A Saudi Press Agency dispatch detailed how the Royal Guard opened the programme with a Guard of Honour parade during which its military band performed the Saudi Royal Anthem. Security Aviation from the Presidency of State Security followed with a helicopter carrying a large Saudi flag while helicopter formations from the Ministry of National Guard and its military band also participated. Riyadh Air contributed one of its Boeing 787 aircraft to the aerial segment that drew large crowds to the venue.
According to the Saudi Press Agency the displays further incorporated aircraft from the Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces, a Leonardo helicopter from Aloula Aviation and planes from the Saudi Aviation Club that carried National Day banners. Dedicated pavilions in the Malham area featured exhibits from the Royal Saudi Land Forces, Border Guard and Aviation Club allowing visitors to view equipment and learn about participating organisations. These ground elements complemented the overhead performances throughout both days of the event.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Riyadh shows formed part of a broader national schedule that included similar military air and naval displays in Al Khobar on September 23 organised by the Naval Forces. Fireworks were scheduled for 9pm on September 23 in nine cities across the Kingdom including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Madinah, Hail, Arar, Al Baha, Tabuk and Buraidah the agency added. Drone formations inspired by the National Day identity preceded the fireworks in several locations according to separate General Entertainment Authority planning shared via the Saudi Press Agency.
Organisers broadcast portions of the Riyadh programme live on Saudi television to extend reach beyond those attending in person the Saudi Press Agency noted. The events concluded without incident after showcasing coordination among the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of National Guard, Ministry of Interior and other bodies. Similar collaborative formats have supported National Day programming in prior years under the General Entertainment Authority.
Large public turnout at the Malham site reflected strong interest in both the aerial displays and interactive pavilions the Saudi Press Agency stated. Attendees included families who engaged with the exhibits and watched the sequenced performances. The capital’s programme wrapped up on September 23 aligning with the Kingdom-wide conclusion of main National Day activities.
