Saudi Founding Day: Celebrating Roots and Renewing the Covenant in the Bride of the Red Sea

February 22 of each year marks Saudi Founding Day, a core national occasion that embodies the firm beginning of the establishment of the First Saudi State three centuries ago. This anniversary is not merely a historical event, but an expression of the depth of roots and the strength of national identity that has been shaped over a journey spanning more than 300 years, making it one of the most prominent occasions in the Saudi people’s conscience due to its deep historical, political, and cultural connotations. The Saudi Founding Day is based on a pivotal moment that represented a turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, based on a historical alliance and solid reformist principles. In 1727 AD, Diriyah witnessed the birth of the First Saudi State with the rule of Imam Muhammad bin Saud. This state was established on a historical alliance that brought together the political leadership represented by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, and the religious reform led by Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. This unique alliance combined politics and religion, forming a solid nucleus for building a unified political entity for the first time in decades of dispersion. The basic foundations of the system were laid during the era of the First Saudi State. These foundations included achieving political unity between scattered areas of the Arabian Peninsula, adopting Islamic law as the reference for governance and justice, and establishing organized administrative frameworks for state affairs. These principles established a stable model of governance that enabled the spread of security and stability, and these are the same foundations on which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based to this day. Some confuse two pivotal national occasions in the history of the Kingdom, but each has its own historical context and distinct connotations. The Founding Day focuses on the deep historical legacy of the state. It is a celebration of the actual beginning of the establishment of the Saudi political entity in Diriyah in 1727 AD, and of embodying the first spirit of struggle and the founding sacrifices made by the ancestors to build the foundations of a strong state. The occasion recalls the glories of the distant past and affirms the continuity of the national project over the centuries. In contrast, Saudi National Day on September 23 commemorates the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its modern form under the leadership of the founding king, Abdulaziz Al Saud, in 1932. It is a celebration of comprehensive regional unity and the transformation of the Kingdom into a unified modern state with its current borders. While the Founding Day goes back to the roots of the first establishment more than two centuries ago. The Kingdom turns into a living theater

Saudi Arabia, the largest nation in the Arabian Peninsula, is undergoing a historic phase of comprehensive modernization and development, driven by an ambitious vision aimed at diversifying its economy and enhancing its regional and global standing. This transformation is led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while preserving its religious and national foundations. To reduce reliance on crude oil, Saudi Arabia is accelerating the development of non-oil economic sectors like tourism, entertainment, technology, manufacturing, and logistics, with the non-oil sector growing by 5.8% in Q1 2024, surpassing oil sector growth. Giga-projects such as NEOM, The

The Iraqi government has sparked a diplomatic controversy by submitting documents to the United Nations concerning disputed maritime areas with Kuwait. This move comes amid escalating tensions between the neighboring countries over sovereignty in the Gulf waters, representing a continuation of historical border conflicts.

On February 22nd each year, the Saudi people commemorate Founding Day, the great national occasion marking the true beginning of the establishment of the first Saudi state over three centuries ago. This anniversary represents a profound historical, political, and cultural milestone for the nation, reflecting deep-rooted history, authentic origins, and a strong national identity spanning generations. It traces back to 1727 when Imam Mohammed bin Saud assumed leadership of the Diriyah Emirate, establishing a state based on political unity, security, justice, and Islamic Sharia principles after prolonged fragmentation. More than a political commemoration, it is a comprehensive cultural event that reconnects the present with a glorious past, honors ancestral sacrifices, strengthens national belonging and pride, and bridges generations

February 22nd of each year marks the anniversary of Saudi Founding Day, a deeply rooted national occasion that embodies the historical beginning of the establishment of the first Saudi state more than 290 years ago. This day brings to mind a journey of struggle and construction that has extended across three centuries, deeply rooted in the Saudi people’s conscience as a symbol of the authenticity of history, the strength of national identity, and the consolidation of values of unity, security, and stability. The historical origins of the establishment of the first Saudi state date back to the year 1727 AD, which witnessed a pivotal turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud assumed rule of Diriyah. This event was not merely a change in local leadership, but the birth of a nascent state based on solid foundations. Imam Muhammad bin Saud formed a historic alliance with the reformer Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, combining political wisdom and religious reform, which historical sources described as a unique alliance that brought together “political leadership and religious reform.” This alliance laid the foundation for a state that laid the first building blocks of political unity in an area suffering from dispersion and division. As a result of this alliance, an organized administrative system was established, security was spread in wide areas, and the principles of Islamic law were applied, paving the way for a new phase of stability after long periods of division and instability. The connotations of Founding Day are not limited to the political and historical aspect only, but extend to become a cultural and civilizational occasion par excellence. It reflects the depth of the historical roots of the Saudi state and consolidates pride in the rich civilizational heritage. The cultural and heritage events of the day highlight the authenticity of the Saudi heritage and its living continuity across generations, confirming that “the vision of the future is based on solid roots and a clear identity.” The occasion witnesses a series of diverse events in various regions of the Kingdom, including history exhibitions that recount the stages of the founding of the Saudi state, heritage art shows that embody the life of the ancestors, and cultural seminars in which historians and academics discuss the lessons learned from that founding stage. Educational activities are also held targeting youth and young people to enhance their connection to their country’s history and highlight “the sacrifices made by the ancestors in order to build a strong and stable state.” Founding Day represents a confirmation of the continuation of the values and principles on which the first Saudi state was founded, as the Kingdom is proceeding today on the same approach drawn by