Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day today

Saudi Founding Day slogan

King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day on Feb. 22 of each year.

The Founding Day is a national occasion to recall the history of the foundation of the Saudi state, which was founded by Imam Muhammad bin Saud more than three centuries ago. The state was established as a political entity to achieve unity and stability. Thus, the Kingdom, which took Diriyah as its capital, flourished and witnessed the spread of culture and science.

On this occasion, King Salman said: “We celebrate with pride the anniversary of founding this blessed state in 1139-1727 Hijri. Saudi Arabia has laid the pillars of peace, stability and justice ever since it was founded in 1727.”

“Celebrating the Founding Day is a celebration of the history of the state, the unity of its people, the steadfastness against challenges and aspiration to the future,” King Salman added.

Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman said: “We have a very important historical depth that goes deep and converges with many civilizations. Many consider the history of the Arabian Peninsula as a very short one but on the contrary, we are a very ancient nation.”

The Founding Day was set on February 22 every year, to mark the beginning of the reign of Imam Mohammed ibn Saud when he ascended the Diriyah throne in the second half on Jumada Al Thani 30, 1139 Hijri (Nov. 22, 1727).

The key achievements made by Imam Mohammed bin Saud included the following:
 

- Unification of Diriyah under his reign and promotion of stability
- Political stability and independence
- Call on towns to join the Saudi state
- The construction of Tarafiyah neighborhood beside Ghasiba
- Organization of state’s finances
- Construction of the Diriyah wall to counter external attacks
- Organization of Diriyah’s internal affairs and society
- Protection and support for reform calls
- Confrontation of campaigns against the state
- Keenness on regional stability
- Unification of Najd region- Providing security for Hajj pilgrimage and trade routes

The Saudi state witnessed development on all aspects since establishment until the era of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During their reign, Saudi Arabia built a thriving and sustainable economy under Vision 2030, which pushed advancement in all social and economic sectors.

The stages of Saudi state establishment are as follows:
 

- Diriyah was founded in 850H/1446.
- The first Saudi state was founded in 1139H/1727.
- The second Saudi state was founded in 1240H/1824.
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1319H/1902.
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified in 1351H/1932.

The Founding Day commemorates the historical and cultural depth of the Kingdom, as it celebrates its cultural heritage.
 

Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day is different from its National Day as the former celebrates the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. The National Day marks the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Faisal Al Saud.

The Founding Day logo includes the Saudi flag, the palm tree, the falcon, the Arabian horse, and the market as five important symbols that reflect a lively heritage.

Palm Tree

It was proven to be a necessary part of identity, culture, and heritage. It is also a source of income as dates of different types are produced in Saudi Arabia.

The Arabian Horse

The Arabian Peninsula is home to the first Arabian horse, according to archaeological findings. Horses and equestrianism have been closely associated with the history of the Arabian Peninsula.
 

Saudi imams have been keen on raising and taking care of the best breeds of Arabian horses.

Falcon

Falconry is one of the famous sports and hobbies in the Arabian Peninsula. It was deemed as the sport of kings, leaders and notables.

Market

The first Saudi state was famous for its rich shops. Many citizens of the first Saudi state worked in trade.

The Saudi Flag

The Saudi flag is a symbol of unity and belonging. It is raised in battles to raise the spirit of fighters. It is also raised by government authorities in occasions.  

The Founding Day's objectives include:

- Celebrating Saudi Arabia’s ancient civilization.

- Celebrating the close ties between citizens and their leaders.

- Celebrating Saudi Arabia’s unity, stability and security.

- Celebrating the strength of the first state and its defences against enemies.

- Celebrating Saudi Arabia’s sustainability and restoration of the strength of its leaders.

- Celebrating the national unity developed by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Faisal Al-Saud.

- Celebrating King Abdulaziz's achievements in promoting unity.