Edited by Anna Popper
On 23 September 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated its 95th National Day, marking the country’s historic unification under King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud in 1932. The occasion honours the Founder and King of Saudi Arabia, its proud history and transformation into a dynamic global player, balancing tradition with innovation under the forward-looking ambitions of Vision 2030.
This year’s commemoration, under the inspiring theme “Our Pride in Our Nature”, reflected not only the country’s majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also the unique identity and indomitable spirit of its people. The motto highlights quintessential Saudi traits – generosity, ambition, courage, authenticity, dignity, and hospitality – qualities deeply ingrained in the national character and the source of the Kingdom’s pride and distinction on the world stage.
To mark this historic anniversary, His Excellency Mr. Majed Abdulaziz M. Al Abdan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Mrs. Nada A. A. Alabdan hosted a grand celebration at the InterContinental Hotel Budapest. The ballroom was aglow in vibrant green – the national colour of Saudi Arabia – symbolizing pride, unity, and the spirit of the occasion. The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the Hungarian government and National Assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from cultural, academic, and business circles, Saudi nationals, and other esteemed guests.
The celebration began with the national anthems of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Hungary, performed live by an orchestra of Hungarian musicians, creating a moving moment of shared respect and friendship between the two nations.
This was followed by the address of H.E. Majed Abdulaziz M. Al Abdan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Hungary:
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, Peace, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah be upon you.
It is my pleasure and honour to warmly welcome our Guest of Honour, His Excellency Mr. Mátyás Hegyaljai, Chief Advisor to the Minister of Interior of Hungary, along with the esteemed officials and ambassadors from friendly countries, and all our honoured guests on this special evening as we celebrate together the 95th anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Distinguished Guests,
Our National Day celebrates the proud journey of nation-building and unification initiated by the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may Allah bless his soul. Under continued wise leadership, the Kingdom has emerged as an influential regional and global force, becoming an international destination in economy, culture, energy, and tourism. Major development projects under Vision 2030 have made the Kingdom a global model in economic diversification and human investment.
The Kingdom continues its tireless efforts to support just and comprehensive peace in the region, maintaining its firm position on the Palestinian cause and working toward a two-state solution that ensures an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
This summer, the Kingdom and France co-hosted the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York in July 2025. The conference produced the New York Declaration, which was subsequently adopted by the UN General Assembly on 12 September 2025, supporting the two-state solution.
Dear Friends,
Saudi–Hungarian relations have witnessed exceptional momentum this year, marking 30 years of diplomatic relations. Key milestones include:
The visit of Saudi Minister of Justice H.E. Dr. Walid Al-Samaani to Budapest and his meeting with his Hungarian counterpart.
The visit of a Saudi Shura Council (Consultative Assembly) delegation to Budapest, led by Dr. Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Qannas, and their meeting with the Parliamentary Friendship Committee.
The historic visit of Hungarian Defence Minister H.E. Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky to the Kingdom in July 2025.
Furthermore, the Saudi–Hungarian Business Forum in Budapest last May brought together over one hundred Hungarian companies with representatives of the Saudi private sector, exploring cooperation in energy, digital transformation, tourism, water management, and technology.
These important achievements reflect both nations’ commitment to expand cooperation and strengthen partnership, serve our common interests and contribute to regional and global stability and prosperity.
To conclude, I would like to renew my sincere thanks and gratitude to H.E. Mr. Mátyás Hegyaljai for gracing us with his presence today, and to all the distinguished guests for joining us on this special national occasion. I wish further progress and prosperity to our two friendly countries. I also thank the Embassy staff who contributed to the preparation of this celebration.”
“Thank you, and may God’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.”
In his speech, representing the Government of Hungary, H.E. Mátyás Hegyaljai, Chief Advisor to the Minister of Interior, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 95th National Day.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to H.E. Ambassador Majed bin Abdulaziz Al Abdan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the invitation and for recognising Hungary and its Ministry of Interior as valued partners in this momentous celebration. Emphasizing that being a speaker on this distinguished occasion was not only a personal honour, but also a confirmation of the deep and enduring partnership between the two nations, which this year proudly marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on the past three decades, Mr. Hegyaljai underlined that the ties between the two countries are based on mutual respect, shared values, and common aspirations. He noted that the cooperation has evolved far beyond technical collaboration, attaining a strategic dimension as both nations remain firmly committed to maintaining stability, security, and peace at the regional and global levels.
H.E. Hegyaljai also praised Ambassador Al Abdan’s vital role in strengthening bilateral relations, highlighting his active engagement, openness, and dedication as key factors in building mutual trust and advancing cooperation between the internal affairs institutions of the two countries.
In closing, the Guest of Honour extended his sincere appreciation to all those who, through their work, commitment, and friendship, have contributed to the further development and deepening of relations between Hungary and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He concluded his address by wishing the Kingdom continued prosperity, peace, and success in every endeavour.
Opening of the Photo Exhibition: Reflections of Heritage, Progress and Future
As part of the celebration, attendees viewed a vibrant photo exhibition, opened by the Ambassador and the Guest of Honour. It showcased the Kingdom’s extraordinary natural sites, ancient traditions, remarkable achievements, and visionary initiatives and projects, including: NEOM, the ambitious futuristic megacity being developed as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and advanced technology; The Line, a linear smart city with zero cars, zero streets, and zero carbon emissions; Qiddiya, a megaproject set to become a global destination for entertainment, sports, and culture; and AlUla, home to Hegra (Madain Salih), the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – a living museum of history and nature that reflects thousands of years of civilization amid breathtaking desert landscapes.
The exhibition highlighted Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, rapid modernization, and ambitious social and economic reforms that are reshaping its economy into a progressive and diversified powerhouse. It also fostered appreciation for the Kingdom’s natural beauty, rich culture, and visionary projects, which continue to attract growing international interest and visitors from around the world.
Among the cultural highlights of the evening was the falconry demonstration, which particularly captured the audience’s attention. As one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest and most revered traditions, falconry offered a glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and enduring respect for its ancestral customs.
Theme and Values of the 95th National Day Event
The motto for the 95th Saudi National Day, “Our Pride in Our Nature” (ʿIzzna bi ṭabʿna), captures the essence of Saudi identity – its character, values, and shared way of life. It embodies the Kingdom’s deep-rooted principles and emphasizes the core traits that define the Saudi people: generosity, ambition, courage, authenticity, dignity, and hospitality. These enduring qualities are deeply embedded in the Saudi character and form the foundation of the Kingdom’s unity, progress, and national pride.
The six core values, each represented by a distinctive symbol, define the heart of this year’s theme:
Generosity: The dallah and Finjan symbolize the gesture of welcome and care.
Authenticity: Reflecting how culture and traditions endure through daily life.
Ambition: Embodied by Tuwaiq Mountain, representing the strength and resolve of the Saudi spirit.
Solidarity: Illustrated through crossed hands, expressing unity and shared purpose.
Vision 2030: Capturing the nation’s focus on growth, progress, and sustainable transformation.
Hospitality: Representing kindness, openness, and the willingness to share and support others.
The message of “Our Pride in Our Nature” resonates across generations, embodying the Kingdom’s journey from its historic roots to its prosperous future under Vision 2030.
Source: Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Hungary
Photos from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Hungary by Draskovics Ádám / adamdraskovics.com
