Saleh Fareed Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — As Saudis were demonstrating their patriotic zeal on Monday all over the country, thousands of expatriates also demonstrated their pride in their host country by celebrating the Kingdom's 83rd National Day with enthusiasm. Excited Saudis expressed their jubilation through parades and fireworks. In solidarity with their Saudi brethren, a large number of expatriates wore national colors of green, decorated their cars with Saudi flag, painted their faces in green and carried placards carrying pictures of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and other leaders. Standing with his Pakistani friends who were proudly displaying Saudi flag on their shirts Wakar Ameen told Saudi Gazette: “The Saudi National Day gives us as Pakistanis a chance to show our respect for the country. It is also an opportunity for my friends to rejoice this special day with the Saudis.” Waving the Saudi national flag, Abdullah Sheikh, 18-year-old Pakistani International School student, said: “We are not Saudis but we feel we have to share this moment with Saudis because we are living here for many years and feel we are part of this country.” Sheikh's friend from the same school, Radwan Nazar, felt no different. He says they regard the Kingdom as their second home. “I was born here and feel that this country is my second home. Even though we cannot celebrate our national day like this on the streets here in Jeddah, my friends and I thought we should go out and show our gratitude to this country, which we really love,” he said. The 20-year-old student added: “I love Saudi Arabia like I do for my country. I have been living in the Jeddah for 20 years now and I am forever grateful to this country.” Azad Ijaz shares a similar feeling. He said: “National Day allows us to celebrate the day together and we feel as happy as Saudis and we really wish them peace and prosperity.” Ijaz noted that this solidarity with the Saudis shows their respect for the country and also expresses their love for King Abdullah. In another part of the city, Mohammed Abdul Monem from Egypt was waving the Saudi flag from his car along with his family, saying: “It is great to see the country so happy, that I feel so happy too. I have been living here for almost 17 years, so Saudi Arabia is like my home and every year we celebrate the National Day with much joy and happiness,” Monem said.
