96th National Day Air Shows: Jeddah, Riyadh and Al-Khobar Dates and Locations Revealed

The Saudi Defence Ministry has published the timetable for the aerial displays celebrating the 96th Saudi National Day, thus giving people living in the Kingdom and those visiting it the chance to see military aircraft and exact formations flying above.

The celebrations will occur in three major places covering the western, central and eastern areas of Saudi Arabia, with the opening events taking place in Jeddah, then followed by those in Riyadh, and the programme ending in Al-Khobar.

View this post on Instagram

Jeddah Air Show: September 18–20

The programme for the National Day air show in Jeddah will take place from 18 to 20 September 2026, with the displays set to start at 5:00 PM every day and thus making the city’s waterfront the principal spot where spectators will gather.

The main place from which to view the display is the ROSHN Waterfront, specifically the promenade located in front of the Jeddah Hilton Hotel, and visitors should expect military aircraft to carry out coordinated flyovers along the Red Sea coastline.

Riyadh Air Show: September 22–23

The celebrations will take place in the Saudi capital on 22nd and 23rd of September. The displays in Riyadh will start at 4:00 PM, giving the spectators the chance to see the aerial formations during Saudi National Day.

The area designated for viewing is the site of the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center in Malham. Since it is an open space, there will be good views of the aircraft formations and flyovers.

Al-Khobar Air Show: September 26–27

The final exhibitions will take place in the eastern area on September 26 and 27, 2026. The Al-Khobar programme will be held in the afternoon, the waterfront being the main area for viewing.

People are able to go to the Al-Khobar Waterfront, specifically to the section in front of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center, which is also called SciTech. The fact that it is situated by the coast provides a wide area for watching the aircraft.

Tips for Watching the National Day Displays

People who intend to attend should get there early, especially at the waterfront sites in Jeddah and Al-Khobar, as the popular viewing spots can become crowded before the shows start.

In September the temperature can still be warm, particularly at events in the afternoon. It is advisable for visitors to take along some drinking water and to wear hats and sunscreen if they are waiting outside.

FAQs

At what time will the 96th Saudi National Day air shows take place?

The air shows will take place from 18th September to 27th September 2026 in Jeddah, Riyadh and Al-Khobar.

At what venue can I see the Jeddah air show?

The exhibit in Jeddah is visible from the ROSHN Waterfront, especially in the area in front of the Jeddah Hilton Hotel.

At what time does the Riyadh air show begin?

The Riyadh air show will start at 4:00 PM on the 22nd and 23rd of September.