Saudi Arabia celebrates 87th National Day with pomp, allows women inside sport stadium for first time
Saudi Arabia held a grand show at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyad to mark its 87th National Day and for the first time allowed women inside the previously male-only venue.
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Saudi Arabia celebrated the country’s 87th National Day on 23 September, marking the unification of the kingdom under the royal decree with grand celebrations. AP
Riyadh's King Fahd International Stadium hosted a number of concerts and performances, including a pageant operetta on Saturday evening. AP
In a historic reform, women were allowed for the first time to enter the national stadium to join in the celebrations. Reuters
The programme featured perfomers decked up mainly in green and white, symbolising the colours of the kingdom's national flag. AP
The celebration which included folk dances and fireworks ended in street parties in several cities across Saudi Arabia. AP
These events are a part of the Saudi government's 'Vision 2030' reform programme that aims to diversify the economy away from oil and create new sectors of employment. AP