N-Day fervor: Riyadh turns green

The capital city has turned green with national flags and banners on lampposts and main roads greeting people on the occasion of National Day while many people are seen wearing the national colors to mark the founding of the modern Kingdom 86 years ago by the legendary King Abdul Aziz.
Riyadh Municipality has set up thousands of flags and electric signboards with pictures of the country’s leaders.
The day is observed annually with a great zeal emphasizing the firmness of rules on which the Kingdom’s great achievements are based. Hotels are going green and lighting up their exteriors with the green theme.
Some of them have special programs lined up, including their staff greeting guests wearing the flag’s color to commemorate the day.
Kingdom Tower, housing the Four Seasons Hotel, Al-Faisaliah Hotel and Rosewood Hotel, will illuminate the skies, making the landmark tower visible from miles away. Other hotels are lining up surprises for guests, fun-filled evenings and recreational activities for needy children.
Hypermarkets and shopping malls are selling clothing and flags in the national colors, besides green-colored stationery, balloons and toys for kids.
Expressing their joy on the occasion, a Saudi family shopping at a city mall said: “The annual occasion reminds us of the greatness and sacrifice by our founder and his faithful followers, who offered every valuable and precious asset they had for the sake of our beloved Kingdom’s unification, survival and continuation.”
The city will see a series of cultural events including laser shows and musical programs. The municipality has planned a series of patriotic events that will reflect the national spirit.