Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree on observing Founding Day on Feb. 22 every year.

The Founding Day is a national occasion to commemorate the history of founding the first Saudi state by Imam Mohammad bin Saud more than three centuries ago. The state was established as a political entity to ensure unity and stability, with Diriyah as its capital.

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, marking 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 of security for 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 is the emergence 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.