Souq7 marked Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day with a four-day programme in Jeddah, bringing together more than 24 interactive national experiences, 90 brands and community initiatives under the theme “A Souq for All, Celebrating a Nation for All.”
Held from September 22 to 25, 2026, the celebrations transformed Souq7’s grounds and facilities into festive spaces for families and visitors.
The programme combined national heritage, entertainment, creativity and technology. It opened with a car parade across the destination, followed by traditional Saudi Ardah performances.
Visitors also took part in the “Al Fakhara” pottery experience, personalising pottery pieces with their names as souvenirs.
In Central Park, Souq7 launched the “Souq7 Talents” initiative as an open platform for young creators. Participants competed across categories including patriotic singing, poetry, recitation, acting, performing arts, painting, calligraphy, handicrafts and photography, with prizes presented to the winners.
The cultural programme also featured an exhibition of Saudi fine art inspired by the Kingdom’s culture.
Digital Experiences and Community Initiatives
Technology was also part of the celebrations through the digital “Izz Passport” experience, launched through the Souq7 website and app.
Visitors followed an interactive trail across the destination, collecting stamps at designated checkpoints. The collected stamps were then converted into donations to the Albaydha Society for Development and beneficiaries of Nafa Charity Society Jeddah.
Interactive AI-powered screens also displayed creative visual content dedicated to Saudi National Day.
Souq7’s community initiatives extended beyond the destination itself. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, arriving travellers were welcomed with flowers and commemorative gifts. Guests arriving in Jeddah for the Arabian Gulf Cup 2026, known as Khaleeji 27, also received a special welcome.
Brands Join the Celebration
The programme also featured commercial participation from 90 brands, including Genz, Apparel Group and West Amazon Golden. Participating brands introduced exclusive offers and interactive activations, adding shopping and leisure experiences to the celebrations.
Ayman Al Burti, Chief Executive Officer of Azad Properties, said the National Day celebrations reflected the company’s connection with the community and its commitment to developing experiences that bring together national identity, culture and entertainment.
The four-day programme brought together participating brands, young creative talent and thousands of visitors, reinforcing Souq7’s role in Jeddah as a destination combining shopping, entertainment and community experiences under the theme “A Souq for All, Celebrating a Nation for All.”
