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

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Riyadh's King Fahd International Stadium hosted a number of concerts and performances, including a pageant operetta on Saturday evening. AP

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In a historic reform, women were allowed for the first time to enter the national stadium to join in the celebrations. Reuters

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The programme featured perfomers decked up mainly in green and white, symbolising the colours of the kingdom's national flag. AP

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The celebration which included folk dances and fireworks ended in street parties in several cities across Saudi Arabia. AP

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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