Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The General Entertainment Authority, which is overseeing the 89th National Day Season, has announced the launch of three international performances that were specially designed for this occasion, in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. These performances will take place in the capital Riyadh, specifically in the Green Halls till Sept. 23, for a full hour from 9.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.; and doors will open at 7 p.m.

“Tariq Al Himma” event will be held, where the audience will be on a date with an entertainment show depicting the path we are on and heading towards the future. The show will take the audience on a unique and extraordinary journey depicting all over the Kingdom, and presenting many artistic moments that will renew the pride and honor in our past, present, and bright future.

As for the Bride of the Red Sea Jeddah, and on the Al-Hamra Corniche, the “Star Island” event will be held where thousands of fireworks will be launched from the sea simultaneously in brilliant colors to form a distinctive painting that will impress the audience who will line up on the main streets to watch this dazzling painting, with sound and light effects and laser shows. This will take place on the Sept. 23 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Starting Sept. 19, the world’s most popular circus show “Cirque du Soleil” is being presented at Dhahran Expo in Dammam from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., presenting a specially designed show for the Saudi National Day. Forty artists will be presenting 12 performances for a full hour and nearly 14 shows between acrobatic, sports, music, and dancing.

Many events like fireworks, concerts, festivals and international performances have been designed specifically for this occasion. The details of the season activities were announced at a press conference by GEA Chief Executive Officer Amr Banaja, recently.

“The General Entertainment Authority is proud to oversee the Saudi National Day Season activities by launching a unified identity that brings together the society under ‘Himma Hatta El-Qimmah’,” said Banaja.

He said it was inspired by the words of the Crown Prince (“The strength of the Saudis is like that of the Tuwaiq mountain”).

“This year fireworks celebrations will continue for several days where more than 700,000 shots will be fired at an altitude of up to 300 meters. It will be accompanied by music,” he said.

Dazzling fireworks will light up the Jeddah over Al-Hamra Corniche during “Star Island” event creating beautiful patterns accompanied by sound and light effects and laser shows.

Eight concerts are being held in a number of regions of the Kingdom where — besides international stars — Saudi and Gulf artists are presenting beautiful patriotic songs.

Banaja said, “To inspire and motivate, five forums will take place in five cities with one forum in each city where a number of speakers will present inspirational events to share knowledge.”

Adventure lovers and those interested in exploration will enjoy specially designed activities during the season to suit different tastes. Everyone can choose the programs they want through the platform “Enjoy.”

Banaja thanked the security authorities for their efforts to make the season a success, and all governmental, private and non-profit sectors for their efforts in contributing to the success of the season.