Saudi National Day is often marked with parades, fireworks, and cultural performances at home. Increasingly, however, some families are extending the holiday beyond the Kingdom’s borders, choosing destinations that combine togetherness with cultural reflection.
This year, the CrossRoads in Maldives offers a one-of-a-kind island retreat featuring two resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. Just a short flight from the Gulf, the island nation has seen a rise in visitors from Saudi Arabia around the September 23 celebrations. Hotels and resorts with strong Middle Eastern connections have noted more bookings from families seeking cultural experiences alongside leisure activities. For many, the trip is about creating shared experiences such as swimming, cultural picnics by the sea, and time spent in multi-generational gatherings, while still honouring the spirit of the occasion.
The trend reflects a wider shift. National holidays are no longer confined to domestic settings but are becoming opportunities for travel that reinforces cultural identity.
