Saudi Founding Day is a national occasion dear to the hearts of all Saudis, as it falls on February 22 of each year, the day on which Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the first Saudi state in 1139 AH / 1727 AD.
On January 27, 2022, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued a royal edict declaring February 22nd of each year as Establishment Day, an official holiday for all citizens, students, and employees.
The commemoration of Founding Day serves as a symbol of the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It honours the unique cultural heritage, remembers the path of three centuries of unity, stability, and prosperity, and pays honour to individuals who have served the country, such as monarchs, imams, and commoners.
All Saudis take part in the many events and activities commemorating Founding Day across the Kingdom as a way to show their pride in their long history and sense of national identity.
The Kingdom’s Establishment Stages
Since its founding three centuries ago, Saudi Arabia has seen several significant historical periods, including:
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Diriyah’s Founding (850 AH / 1446 AD):
- Manea Al-Muraydi established Diriyah, which is the birthplace of the Al Sauds.
- This stage is the initial step towards the foundation of the Saudi State.
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The First Saudi State (1139 AH / 1727 AD):
- Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded it, and its capital is Diriyah.
- Unity, stability, and prosperity characterised this stage.
- The first Saudi State experienced multiple challenges and ended in 1233 AH / 1818 AD.
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The Second Saudi State (1240 AH / 1824 AD):
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud founded it, and Riyadh serves as its capital.
- This state continued until 1302 AH / 1885 AD.
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Establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (1319 AH / 1902 AD):
- King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud established it, and Riyadh serves as its capital.
- Prosperity on all fronts and unity were hallmarks of this era.
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Unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (1351 AH / 1932 AD):
- All regions united to form “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day on this day.
These stages depict a rich historical journey that symbolises the people of Saudi Arabia’s insistence on stability, prosperity, and unity as well as the ancient tradition of the Kingdom.
Why is February 22nd?
Since a royal decree went into effect on January 27, 2022, which also specified that this day declared an official holiday, it is the day on which the decision occurred to form the first Saudi kingdom in the year 1727 AD.
Is it Different from National Day?
Founding Day is not a replacement for Saudi National Day, which is celebrated annually on September 23rd, and there is no contradiction between the two. However, the Kingdom wished to express its pride in its three-century heritage, in addition to the fact that both days commemorate significant events and turning moments in the Kingdom’s history.
Celebrations
On this occasion, Saudi Arabia is hosting many festivities and activities, such as concerts featuring the best male and female artists, fireworks displays, and numerous entertainment performances.
The traditional Saudi costumes from the different regions of Saudi Arabia—the central, northern, and southern regions, as well as the eastern and western regions for men, women, and children—are also worn during the Founding Day celebrations.
A Memorable Event
The occasion of Founding Day’s anniversary offers a chance to reflect on the events and individuals that shaped the Saudi state’s foundation three centuries ago. It has been immortalised in history and biographies and its characteristics spread over the Arabian Peninsula since it wasn’t a state created overnight but rather developed over ages.
Moreover, it laid the groundwork for a unified state that created government and prioritised societal security while serving the Two Holy Mosques and providing a suitable living environment in the face of several problems.
However, the depth and intensity of national cohesiveness was the cause for the succession of the Saudi state from 1727 AD to the current time, and opposing any foreign attack or effort to destroy the social fabric of the Saudi state.
So, Saudi Arabia’s triumphs continue till this fortunate period, despite the harsh situations it went through in the past.
