For the first time in its history, Saudi Arabia has declared its national day to be a national holiday. Up until now, it was simply a date on the calendar on which diplomats offered congratulations to the Saudi government. There were no parties, no celebrations, no day off from work. King Abdullah, however, has announced that Saturday will be a day off for all. [Saudi National Day is Sept. 23, which is a Friday, part of the normal weekend; the holiday will be shifted to the next working day.]

According to the Arab News, in an op-ed written by its Editor-in-Chief Khaled Al-Maeena,

It is the first time that this event is being publicly celebrated across the land in the form of a nationwide holiday. But what does National Day actually mean to the citizens of Saudi Arabia? Is it merely a day of fun and merriment or a day for something deeper and more symbolic?

In my estimation it should be viewed as an opportunity for introspection as we not only look back at the different stages of nation-building, consolidation and achievement but also look forward to the future and all the concomitant challenges that lie ahead of us. The ability to face these in the coming years will be far tougher and more diverse than we can imagine. However, we have to rise to the occasion and meet them headlong.

While some decry nationalism, I believe it an important stage through which all countries must go–and are still going. We don’t know yet what might supercede it, but for now, it makes the most sense for most countries.