Celebrating Saudi National Day in the Workplace: Tips for HR Professionals

Saudi National Day, which is celebrated on September 23rd, is a momentous occasion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the unification of the country in 1932. 

As we approach Vision 2030, this celebration has taken on even greater significance, symbolizing not just Saudi Arabia’s rich history but also its bright future. For HR professionals, Saudi National Day presents an excellent opportunity to foster patriotism, boost employee engagement, and celebrate the country’s heritage and achievements.

If you’re planning to bring Saudi National Day festivities into the workplace, here’s a friendly guide packed with tips to ensure your event is as vibrant as the Kingdom itself.

1. Embrace Saudi Culture and Heritage

To create an immersive National Day celebration, highlight Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, tradition, and culture. Bring the country’s natural beauty and diversity into the office by incorporating elements from different regions of the Kingdom.

Ideas for Celebrating Saudi Heritage:

• Decorations: Use green and white, the colors of the Saudi flag, to decorate the workspace. Incorporate traditional Saudi symbols like palm trees and swords to add authenticity.
• Cultural Displays: Set up corners displaying traditional Saudi crafts, clothing, and artifacts that showcase the diverse regions of the country.
• Fashion: Encourage employees to wear traditional Saudi attire like the Thobe, Abaya, or even region-specific outfits to celebrate the diversity of Saudi fashion.
  
  

Pro Tip:

You could organize a heritage quiz or trivia competition to encourage learning about Saudi history, culture, and traditions.

2. Highlight the Kingdom’s Achievements and Vision 2030

Saudi National Day is a great time to reflect on the Kingdom’s achievements and its ambitious Vision 2030 goals. Whether it’s economic growth, women empowerment, or sustainable development, showcasing these milestones can instill a sense of pride and unity in your employees.

Ways to Celebrate Saudi Achievements:

• Interactive Presentations: Host a presentation or video screening that highlights Saudi Arabia’s achievements over the years, particularly focusing on its progress in fields like technology, education, tourism, and economic growth.
• Vision 2030 Workshop: Organize a workshop to discuss the Vision 2030 goals, such as women’s empowerment and economic diversification. This can also be a chance to connect your company’s efforts to the broader vision for Saudi Arabia’s future.
  
  

Pro Tip:

Create an employee recognition program to honor team members whose work aligns with the values of Vision 2030, such as innovation, sustainability, or diversity.

3. Celebrate with Food, Music, and Dance

Nothing brings people together quite like food, music, and dance. Saudi National Day provides the perfect opportunity to introduce traditional elements from the Kingdom into the workplace.

Cultural Experiences to Include:

• Traditional Cuisine: Cater a spread of Saudi favorites, like Kabsa, Mandi, and Sambusa. Include a mix of dishes from various regions to highlight the culinary diversity of the Kingdom.
• Live Music and Dance: If possible, invite local performers to showcase traditional Saudi music and dances like the Ardah. Alternatively, create a Saudi music playlist to play throughout the day, setting the festive tone.
  
  

Pro Tip:

Host a Saudi cooking competition where employees can bring homemade dishes representing their regions. Offer prizes for the best dishes!

4. Engage Employees with Fun Activities

Interactive activities can help boost patriotism and create a memorable experience for your employees. Encourage team-building and engagement through themed activities that not only celebrate the country but also inspire solidarity and unity.

Engaging Ideas:

• Patriotic Competitions: Organize a desk decoration or office-wide patriotism contest where departments compete to see who can best represent Saudi National Day.
• Saudi Art and Souvenirs: Set up a workshop where employees can create Saudi-inspired art, such as calligraphy or painting. Offer souvenirs or gifts that are connected to Saudi culture, like miniatures of famous landmarks, traditional Saudi jewelry, or embroidered items.
  
  

Pro Tip:

Organize a Saudi-themed photo booth with traditional clothing and props for employees to take pictures and share on social media, promoting fun and proud workplace culture.

5. Showcase Saudi Natural Beauty and Diversity

With its diverse landscapes, ranging from the pristine beaches of the Red Sea to the golden sands of the Empty Quarter, Saudi Arabia boasts incredible natural beauty. Use National Day as an opportunity to introduce employees to lesser-known regions of the country.

Ways to Highlight Saudi’s Beauty:

• Visual Displays: Set up screens around the office displaying breathtaking images of Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty, such as AlUla’s ancient rock formations, the Asir mountains, or the vibrant cities of Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Travel-Inspired Prizes: Organize a raffle or quiz with travel-themed prizes, like weekend getaways to popular Saudi destinations or experiences like camel rides in the desert.
  
  

Pro Tip:

Create a “Wall of Saudi Wonders” where employees can post photos of their favorite places or experiences within Saudi Arabia, sparking discussions and excitement about local travel and heritage.

6. Encourage Unity and Solidarity

Saudi National Day is a symbol of unity, and HR professionals can use this opportunity to foster a deeper sense of solidarity within the team. Celebrating Saudi patriotism while promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity is a great way to bring your employees closer.

Ideas for Encouraging Solidarity:

• Collaborative Projects: Organize a collaborative project, like a team painting that represents the Kingdom’s unity or a shared goal related to Vision 2030. Employees can work together and display their finished product in the office.
• Team-Building Activities: Host team-building games that emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, and unity. Consider a scavenger hunt based on Saudi culture or history as a fun and educational experience.
  
  

Pro Tip:

Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of all employees, whether Saudi nationals or expats, to emphasize the diversity within your workplace and the broader community.

Saudi National Day Resources

If you’re getting ready to celebrate Saudi National Day, click here to access more information and details, including Saudi National songs and merchandise kits,  learn more about National Day Identity Projects, and more.