Riyadh marks Saudi National Day with military parades and air shows

The air and military displays accompanying Saudi National Day celebrations concluded yesterday at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Mulham, north of the capital, after two days that drew large crowds and featured participation from several military and civilian sectors. The festive atmosphere combined aerial performances with interactive ground displays at the venue.

Large numbers of visitors, waving flags and carrying photos of the Kingdom's leadership, flocked to the exhibition grounds early, where they had the opportunity to closely view military vehicles and equipment, take commemorative photos beside them, and meet with members of the armed forces—scenes that reflected pride and patriotism.

The festivities began with the Royal Anthem performed by the Honor Guard Battalion of the Royal Guard Presidency, joined by the Cavalry Squadron and a convoy featuring a variety of vehicles.

Aerial displays followed, featuring helicopters from the Security Aviation, Black Hawk helicopters from the Ministry of National Guard, and aircraft from the Land and Naval Forces. The event also included a Leonardo helicopter from Alpha Star Aviation, and planes from the Saudi Aviation Club displaying banners themed with this year's National Day slogan, "We Take Pride in Our Nature." Riyadh Air also participated with a Boeing 787.

The Saudi Falcons aerobatic team was a highlight of the event, performing a series of formations and maneuvers to enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Their displays included the "Shield" formation and the "Two Swords and Palm" formation, which depicted the Kingdom's emblem in the sky—a feat that previously earned the team a Guinness World Record for the largest national emblem drawn in the sky.

The team also performed the "Falcon" formation and the "Jabal Tuwaiq Maneuver," as well as the "Double Sword Maneuver," where two aircraft approach each other at high speed before veering off at the last moment, thrilling spectators.

Excitement continued with the "Explosion Maneuver," in which the team's seven aircraft split off in different directions simultaneously in front of the viewing platform, followed by the "Flag Loop Formation," where one plane circles the rest in a striking aerial display.

Over two days, the event combined aerial shows with on-the-ground experiences, transforming the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center and its skies into a comprehensive national celebration, with military and civilian sectors joining the public in marking the occasion.

The next stop for the air shows will be in Alkhobar on September 26 and 27, where residents of the Eastern Province can look forward to more spectacular military aviation displays.