Saudi National Day 95: Our Pride is in Our Nature

Saudi Arabia marks its 95th National Day on 23 September 2025 with the inspiring theme Our Pride is in Our Nature a declaration of who we are where our heritage meets our promise and the land we cherish mirrors our highest values Under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud the nation is not just celebrating history but celebrating progress

From the sands to the skyscrapers from ancient traditions to world-class innovation Saudi Arabia has transformed itself in ways that many once thought distant dreams Vision 2030 is the roadmap anchored by three pillars: a vibrant society a thriving economy and an ambitious nation These pillars are more than plans they are realities in motion

Leadership and Vision

King Salman’s stewardship and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s bold drive have been central to this transformation under Vision 2030 inaugurated in 2016 Their guidance has ensured reforms in social life culture governance economy that respect our identity yet open doors to global leadership

Key Achievements & Statistics

Non-oil sectors now contribute 56% of Saudi Arabia’s Gross Domestic Product surpassing SAR 4.5 trillion (around USD 1.2 trillion) marking a major shift from dependence on oil revenue (Arab News)

Unemployment among Saudi citizens has fallen from about 12.8% in 2018 to 7.1% (Arab News)

Female workforce participation, a core goal of Vision 2030, has now exceeded its original target of 30% reaching about 35-36% (Arab News)

Share of non-oil exports in non-oil GDP has reached 24.1% though there remains work ahead to meet higher targets (spa.gov.sa)

These statistics show not only economic strength but social empowerment equity and opportunity for all citizens

Global & Strategic Standing

On the world stage Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as an investment destination as hundreds of international firms have chosen to establish regional headquarters here signaling confidence in the Kingdom’s infrastructure governance and ambition (Arab News)

Vision 2030 goals include raising life expectancy from 74 to 80 years raising our ranking in the Logistics Performance Index from 49 to 25 raising social capital index position from 26 to 10 and increasing non-oil revenues dramatically among other targets (Saudi Vision 2030)

Pride in Our Nature

Our nature is more than our landscapes it is our character our generosity our hospitality authenticity ambition unity and vision It is present in the deserts the mountains the coasts and in our hearts as much as in our policies For National Day 95 we affirm that ʿIzzna bi ṭabʿna Our pride is in our nature is not just a slogan but our identity and our promise

Looking Forward

As we celebrate 95 years we look ahead to what comes next Vision 2030 is still in mid course its momentum growing its goals ambitious but achievable under our leadership We see more jobs more innovation more social development more global contribution in science culture environment and peace We see Saudi Arabia’s pride not only in what has been but in what will be

* Consultant Farhan Hassan Al-Shammari

X: https://twitter.com/farhan_939

E-mail: fhshasn@gmail.com