Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
What is Saudi National Day?
Saudi National Day, on 23 September, marks the unification of the Kingdom in 1932. It is a public holiday, with celebrations, fireworks and cities lit in green. Unlike Eid, the date is fixed in the Gregorian calendar, so you can plan your rides well in advance. In 2027, 23 September falls on a Thursday, next to the Friday and Saturday weekend.
Do not confuse it with Founding Day on 22 February, which celebrates the founding of the first Saudi state in Diriyah. Both days bring busy evenings, so the same advice applies.
Where do roads get busy?
Corniche and city-centre roads are crowded in the evening. Event programmes, fireworks sites and any road closures are announced each year, so check the official listings for your city before you set a drop-off point.
Where roads near an event close, the driver drops you at the nearest open point and you walk the last stretch. Wear comfortable shoes, and agree the pickup point before you get out of the car.
What does a National Day evening cost?
Fares are per car and fixed before the ride, with no surge pricing on National Day. Rides between 00:00 and 05:00 carry a 20% night surcharge, shown in your quote.
| Trip | Vehicle | Fare from |
|---|---|---|
| City ride, about 10 km | Economy sedan, up to 3 | SAR 60 |
| City ride, about 10 km | Family van, up to 11 | SAR 120 |
| Hourly driver | Economy sedan | SAR 80 per hour |
| Hourly driver | SUV, up to 7 | SAR 180 per hour |
| Hourly driver | Family van | SAR 150 per hour |
| Riyadh to Diriyah | Economy sedan | SAR 60 |
| Dammam to Al Khobar | Economy sedan | SAR 60 |
City by city: what to expect
- Riyadh: city-centre roads are busy in the evening. Diriyah is 20 km from the centre, about 25 min, and evening traffic toward Bujairi Terrace is heavy, so book your return in advance.
- Jeddah: the Corniche is many kilometres long, so choose a drop-off point rather than just saying the Corniche. King Fahd's Fountain is lit at night and best seen from the promenade.
- Dammam and Al Khobar: with Dhahran, they form one metro area, and Dammam to Al Khobar is 25 km. The Al Khobar Corniche is busiest in the evening.
- Makkah and Madinah: prayers and Umrah continue as normal. City roads can be busier in the evening, so allow extra time for rides to and from the Haram.
A long-weekend trip by road
If you have time off, a short road trip is easy to arrange. Late September is still hot in Riyadh and Jeddah. Taif, in the mountains above Makkah, is about 10 °C cooler than Makkah in summer. Fares are per car, with rest and prayer stops included, and our post on cool cities to visit by car has more ideas.
| Route | Distance | Time | Economy sedan | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah to Taif | 170 km | 2 h | SAR 290 | SAR 600 |
| Makkah to Taif | 90 km | 1 h 30 min | SAR 160 | SAR 320 |
| Riyadh to Al Khobar | 424 km | 4 h 15 min | SAR 730 | SAR 1,490 |
| Dammam to Al Ahsa | 150 km | 1 h 30 min | SAR 260 | SAR 530 |
Tips for National Day evening
Message us on WhatsApp or call +966 57 951 9804 to book. Our post on Riyadh at night by car has more ideas for an evening out in the capital.
- Book the return before you go out, with a time or a pickup window.
- Agree a meeting point a short walk from the crowds, on a road that stays open.
- Save the driver's WhatsApp number and share your live location when you are ready.
- Families can book a family van for up to 11 people, with child seats on request.
- Women who prefer it can book a female driver in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and Dammam, 12 hours ahead.
- If you plan several stops, an hourly driver waits at each one, so you do not search for a ride between them.