Regional leaders express well-wishes to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the kingdom’s historic occasion

On the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, Arab leaders extended their congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, celebrating the Kingdom’s rich heritage and future vision. The national day, marked on Monday, September 23, 2024, brought messages of unity and respect from prominent figures across the region, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Sudan’s army chief General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI.

In his message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), King Salman reflected on the significance of the day, describing it as “a dear memory renewed in the pages of our proud homeland, rooted in the conscience of the great Saudi people.” He expressed his prayers for continued security, prosperity, and stability in the Kingdom.

This year’s National Day was celebrated with vibrant festivities across the Kingdom, including in cities like Jeddah, which lit up in honour of the occasion. Additionally, notable diplomatic conversations occurred as Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addressed the United Nations, calling for reforms and more robust multilateral action on key global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality.

Analysis

Political: The messages from Arab leaders demonstrate the deep political alliances Saudi Arabia maintains within the region. These well-wishes reflect Saudi Arabia’s influence and the pivotal role it plays in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Meanwhile, the speech delivered by Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the UN indicates Saudi Arabia’s ongoing push for international cooperation and reform, underlining the Kingdom’s drive for leadership in shaping a fairer, more sustainable global order.

Social: National Day celebrations not only highlight Saudi Arabia’s achievements but also serve to strengthen national unity. The nationalistic fervour across the Kingdom and the recognition by neighbouring countries underscore the importance of cultural pride and regional solidarity. The messages from neighbouring leaders emphasize Saudi Arabia’s leadership and its ongoing role in the Arab world’s collective identity.

Economic:  The strong diplomatic relationships underscored by these National Day messages point to the continuation of regional trade and economic collaborations. As Saudi Arabia continues its economic diversification under Vision 2030, the Kingdom remains an influential economic force in the region, with its partnerships with neighbouring countries playing a significant role in its growth trajectory.

Racial: The acknowledgements from leaders across diverse Arab nations emphasize the shared cultural and historical ties that bind the region together. Saudi Arabia’s National Day is celebrated not only within the Kingdom but resonates with many across the Arab world, reaffirming the collective regional identity and the leadership role that Saudi Arabia holds.

Gender: Although the focus of the article is on diplomatic relations, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes ambitious goals related to gender equality and women’s empowerment. These National Day celebrations reflect a forward-looking vision for the country, which includes an evolving role for women in the Kingdom’s society, economy, and leadership.