Saudi Founding Day: Embodying Three Centuries of Building and Unity

The Historical Significance of Founding Day

Roots Extending to 1727 CE

The Saudi people commemorate Founding Day on February 22nd each year, a deeply significant national occasion. This date traces back to 1727 CE, when Imam Mohammed bin Saud assumed leadership of the Emirate of Diriyah, marking the beginning of the establishment of the First Saudi State. This event represented a historical turning point in the Arabian Peninsula, ending an era of fragmentation and laying a solid foundation for building a unified political entity.

Foundations of the Sustainable State

Since that date, the region witnessed a radical transformation towards political and security stability. The state was built on established principles encompassing the political unity of regions under central rule, the adoption of Islamic Sharia as the frame of reference for governance, and the creation of organized administrative systems. These three foundations – political, religious, and administrative – formed the structure upon which the Saudi state was built over centuries, leading to the modern Kingdom.

The Founding Alliance and Its Achievements

Alliance of Leadership and Reform

The First Saudi State was distinguished by a historic alliance that brought together Imam Mohammed bin Saud as a political and military leader, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab as a religious and reformist authority. This unique alliance combined the political and religious dimensions: the Imam worked to unify tribes and establish central authority, while the Sheikh worked to correct religious concepts and spread awareness according to a clear Islamic methodology.

Achievements of the Founding Alliance

This alliance resulted in great achievements, including the unification of vast areas of Najd and its surroundings under a single rule after years of division and fragmentation. It also contributed to spreading security and stability on trade routes and inhabited areas, and establishing a judicial system based on Islamic Sharia. These achievements formed the first building block in a journey spanning three centuries of national building.

The Cultural and Celebratory Dimension of the Occasion

Celebrations that Reinforce Identity

Founding Day events transcend being merely a political celebration to become a preeminent cultural and heritage occasion. During these days, the Kingdom hosts historical exhibitions displaying documents and artifacts from the eras of the Saudi state, live heritage performances embodying folk performing arts, cultural seminars where researchers discuss milestones in Saudi history, and educational activities presenting a clear national narrative to the younger generations.

Enhancing National Belonging

These events represent an opportunity to deepen pride in historical roots and highlight the sacrifices of ancestors in building a strong state. The occasion also showcases the continuity of the Saudi vision that links the legacy of the past with the aspirations of the future, affirming that Vision 2030 is based on a solid identity and leadership that draws inspiration from historical lessons to forge tomorrow.

Distinguishing Between Founding Day and National Day

Temporal and Essential Differences

It is important to distinguish between Founding Day, observed on February 22nd, and Saudi National Day, celebrated on September 23rd. While the first commemorates the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727 CE, the second refers to the royal decree issued in 1932 CE that announced the unification of the Kingdom under the name “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” under the leadership of its Founding King, Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.

Complementary Significances

The two days complement each other in the national historical narrative; while Founding Day embodies the beginning of the national project and its deep roots, National Day represents the pinnacle of modern unification and the completion of building the contemporary political entity. Both constitute milestones in a single journey, embodying a story of continuous struggle and diligent building that has lasted for more than 290 years.

Founding Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a living embodiment of a nation’s story that began with the dream of Imam Mohammed bin Saud and the support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab. Through the will of generations, it transformed into a towering reality. It is an occasion to recall the glories of ancestors and renew the pledge to continue the journey of building, preserving the unity of the homeland and the values upon which it was founded. It is a day that reminds Saudis that their bright future rests on deep roots extending into the depths of history.