Founding Day… A Living Embodiment of Saudi Arabia’s Storied History and National Unity
The Saudi people renewed their commemoration of “Founding Day” on February 22nd, celebrating the deep roots of the Saudi state and the connection between its present and glorious past. This day, officially declared by a royal decree from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on January 27, 2022, is a deeply meaningful national occasion.
Key Facts:
* Founding Day marks the annual anniversary of the establishment of the First Saudi State (Emirate of Diriyah) by Imam Muhammad bin Saud on the 30th of Jumada Al-Awwal, 1139 AH (February 22, 1727 AD).
* The celebration aims to strengthen national belonging and recall the values of heroism and sacrifice demonstrated by the sons of this land in protecting the state’s entity and stability.
* Founding Day is an independent occasion from the Saudi National Day (celebrated on September 23rd, marking the unification of the Kingdom under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 AD), as it focuses on the historical founding moment nearly three centuries ago.
* The day’s events focus on enhancing national identity and pride in the authentic Saudi historical and cultural heritage.
Quotes:
* His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister: “Founding Day is a dear memory through which we recall the epic of founding led by our valiant forefathers, and in which we draw lessons of unity, belonging, and sacrifice for the homeland.” (Previous statement on the official announcement of the day)
* Dr. Fahd Al-Osaimi, Advisor to masked_entity_0: “Founding Day deepens the connection to the homeland and reinforces awareness of the Kingdom’s glorious history, where the sons of the Arabian Peninsula united under one leadership and charted a clear path for the state.” (Statement to the Saudi Press Agency, February 21, 2024)
* Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Imam of the Grand Mosque: “Founding Day is a day of pride and glory, in which we recall the heroism of the founding imams and their jihad in unifying this land and building a state of justice and strength.” (Friday sermon, February 23, 2024)
Statistics:
* Over 7,500 schools for boys and girls across the Kingdom participated in educational and entertainment activities for Founding Day this year.
* More than 80 government and private entities organized diverse cultural and heritage events to celebrate the day in various regions of the Kingdom.
* The number of visitors to the
