Saudi Arabia at 90: Sheikh Khalifa congratulates King Salman on National Day

The kingdom celebrates 90 years as a sovereign state on September 23

Saudi King Salman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed are pictured in Abu Dhabi this file photo from December 2016. The three leaders have long held close ties. AFP

President Sheikh Khalifa and other UAE leaders have wished Saudi Arabia’s King Salman congratulations on the country’s 90th National Day.

The kingdom’s National Day falls on September 23 and marks the day when its founder King Abdulaziz Al Saud renamed the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in honour of his family name.

It was declared a national holiday by the late King Abdullah in 2005.

The rulers of the seven emirates and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Command of the Armed Forces, extended their congratulations to King Salman on Tuesday, and to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, sent his congratulations, as did the Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid, the Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid, the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain and Sheikh Hamed bin Mohammed, the Ruler of Fujairah.

The kingdom will mark the occasion with the largest air show yet featuring 60 military and civilian aircraft, organised by Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority.

Saudi television will broadcast the event at 4pm local time (5pm UAE) on Wednesday.

The 90th anniversary will be celebrated as the country marks huge changes in society and daily life, with liberalisation of the legal system and economy, and a push to create more home-grown jobs for Saudis.

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