Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day today

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's flag

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a Royal Decree to celebrate the Kingdom’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. A political entity was established to achieve unity and stability. Thus, the Kingdom, which took Diriyah as its capital, flourished and witnessed the spread of culture and science.

The stages of founding the Saudi state were as follows:

- Foundation of Diriyah in 850 AH (1446 AD)

- Foundation of the first Saudi state in 1139 AH (1727 AD)

- Foundation of the second Saudi state in 1240 AH (1824 AD)

- Foundation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1319 AH (1902 AD)

- Unification of the Kingdom in 1351 AH (1932 AD)

The Founding Day is to recall the foundation of the Saudi state more than three centuries ago and highlight the depth of its history and civilization, in addition to celebrating the diverse cultural heritage. It is also to remember the imams, kings and citizens who showed loyalty in the service of the country.

February 22 marks the start of Imam Muhammad bin Saud’s reign in Diriyah in the second half of 1139 AH. Thus, Jumada al-Thani 30, 1139 AH (Feb. 22, 1727) was set as the Kingdom’s Founding Day.

Diriyah Historical District

The difference between the Founding Day and the National Day is that the former marks the foundation of the Kingdom by imam Muhammad bin Saud, while the latter is to celebrate the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Faisal Al Saud.