Saudi National Day, celebrated on September 23rd each year, is a momentous occasion for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a significant opportunity for businesses to foster employee recognition and appreciation. This celebration not only highlights Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, traditions, and culture but also serves as a reflection of the nation’s remarkable achievements, unity, and diversity.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the details of the 94th National Day holiday this year, which will extend for four consecutive days, starting from Friday, September 20, until Monday, September 23, 2024.
Saudi National Day commemorates a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s history. In 1932, the unification of Hijaz and Najd under King Abdulaziz Al Saud marked the birth of modern Saudi Arabia. This historic event symbolizes the nation’s unity, independence, and resilience. Celebrated annually with great enthusiasm, Saudi National Day is a time for patriotism, pride, and cultural festivities.
Beyond the festivities and national pride that fill the air in Saudi Arabia, Saudi National Day can serve as a powerful platform for organizations to acknowledge and honor the contributions of their Saudi employees. Here’s why celebrating this day in the workplace matters:
Saudi National Day is a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich history, culture, and achievements. For Saudi employees working in multinational companies or local enterprises, recognizing this day sends a strong message of respect and inclusivity. It acknowledges their cultural identity and affirms their importance within the organizational fabric. This also ties into the broader goals of Vision 2030, which emphasizes the preservation and promotion of Saudi heritage.
Incorporating Saudi National Day celebrations into the workplace helps strengthen organizational culture. It encourages unity and solidarity among employees of diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the workplace. By participating in festivities, employees can bond over shared traditions and values, such as music, fashion, and food, thereby enhancing teamwork and morale.
When company leadership actively participates in Saudi National Day celebrations, whether through messages, events, or symbolic gestures, it demonstrates their support for cultural diversity and appreciation. Leaders can use this occasion to publicly recognize and thank Saudi employees for their dedication and contributions to the organization’s success, promoting women’s empowerment and economic growth as part of their recognition of Saudi achievements.
Engaging employees in Saudi National Day activities can boost overall employee engagement. Companies can organize events such as cultural performances, traditional food tastings, or educational sessions about Saudi history and heritage. Such activities not only educate non-Saudi employees but also empower Saudi employees to share their culture with colleagues. In doing so, they help foster an inclusive environment that values and promotes diversity.
Celebrating Saudi National Day reflects positively on the company’s employer brand. It showcases the organization as culturally sensitive, inclusive, and supportive of its diverse workforce. This can attract top Saudi talent seeking a workplace that values their cultural identity and offers opportunities for growth and recognition. By organizing souvenirs or gifts aligned with Saudi culture, companies can further enhance their employer branding while honoring national traditions.
Saudi National Day can be a time to highlight and reward individual and team achievements. Companies can use this occasion to present awards or certificates of appreciation to Saudi employees who have made significant contributions to projects, initiatives, or the workplace community. By doing so, businesses emphasize the importance of patriotism and reinforce a strong sense of belonging.