Each and every one of us is significant in modern-day Saudi Arabia, and we all play a unique part in making the country great.

This is what we must remember on our National Day.

To illustrate this, we can use the figure 0.42%.

It may sound like a small, almost insignificant percentage. If someone offered you this as an increase on an investment or annual salary, you probably wouldn’t get too excited.

But small can also be beautiful.

0.42% is the approximate percentage of the world’s population who live in Saudi Arabia, that’s one in every 238 people alive on Earth.

Instead of being small and insignificant, we are fortunate enough to be one of the chosen few.

Today is a day to reflect on how our great country stands among many nations in a world of diversity.

But it stands tall and mighty.

There are many countries in this world over 190 recognized by the United Nations, and even more by football body FIFA, which has 211 members.

Each has its own language, religion, outlook, capital city, flag, and culture symbols of its individual identity.

And in all these countries combined, there are many, many citizens of the world.

In fact, there are 8.2 billion people on this planet, and each and every one of them has a nation to call their own, a place to cherish, carry in their hearts, or call home.

But what makes us special and different?

For a start, there will only ever be one Saudi Arabia.

And just 35.2 million people on this vast planet are blessed enough to call it home.

This means something different to each and every one of us, we all have our own unique reason for loving our country.

And our country also has a unique reason for loving each and every one of us, as we all make our own personal contribution to making it great.

We all play our part whether it is by raising the next generation with care and compassion, educating them, or providing services that help keep our society moving and progressing.

There are also many reasons to feel privileged to be Saudi Arabian: belonging to a nation that respects human dignity, provides security, and empowers its people.

What shines brightest for me is the fact that we are part of a country that is respectful and guided by the traditions and customs of the past, yet is leading the way with technology and innovation toward a future full of endless possibilities.

In this regard, I believe Saudi Arabia is unlike anywhere else because we represent the past, present, and future, all at the same time.

These three faces sit effortlessly side by side in our towns and villages.

Our country’s name is known across the world as a symbol of strength and honor, and we are carving out the next chapter with men and women, from every part of society, leading together.

So on our National Day, we need to reflect on how a small part of the globe’s population can have such a huge effect on the world.

And how we are truly fortunate to be among the 0.42%, the proud few who call Saudi Arabia home.