The University of Dammam and the Deanship of Student Affairs hosted a Saudi National Day event celebrating the 85th anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom. The celebration was attended by HE, the President of the University, Dr. Abdullah M. Al Rubaish and the University vice presidents, including: Professor Fahd Al Muhanna, Vice President of the University, Professor Adel Al Afaleq, Vice President for University Branches, Dr. Abdullah Alkadi, Vice President for Studies, Development and Community Service, Professor Abdulsalam Al Sulaiman, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research and Dr. Gazi Al Otaibi, Vice President for Academic Affairs along with faculty, staff and students. This celebration served as a reminder of what the Kingdom has achieved in such a short span of time, developing into one of the strongest nations in the world due to the strength and foresight of its leaders.
The commemoration began with the national anthem followed by a recitation of the Holy Qur’an. An original operetta about the Kingdom’s leaders and their achievements was performed with a cast made up of UoD students, which was followed by a poetry reading using the names of the poet and his fellow students expressing their love for the Kingdom. Dr. Al Rubaish then addressed the gathering, reflecting on the significance of that day many years ago when King Abdulaziz united the Arabian Peninsula. He encouraged everyone to join together to serve their beloved country and he asked God to protect the Kingdom’s great leaders.
The event continued with the celebrants dancing the Ardah, a traditional Saudi Arabian dance, followed by a celebratory dinner.