Founding Day: Commemorating the Establishment of the First Saudi State

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced a new historical occasion to be celebrated nationwide. On January 27, 2022, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a Royal Order designating February 22nd of every year as “Founding Day,” commemorating the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in 1727 CE (1139 AH).

Historical Significance of the Occasion

This day marks a pivotal milestone in the Kingdom’s history, reviving the memory of the founding of the First Saudi State three centuries ago. The Royal Order stated that “Founding Day strengthens shared pride in the deep-rooted origins of this blessed state and the strong bond between its citizens and its leaders, from the era of Imam Mohammed bin Saud, founder of the First Saudi State in 1727 CE, to the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his trustworthy Crown Prince.”

Celebration Activities

The Kingdom celebrates Founding Day on February 22nd annually by organizing numerous national events and activities across all regions. These include cultural and heritage displays, art exhibitions, fireworks shows, and official celebrations held in various provinces.

Reasons for Selecting the Date

February 22nd was specifically chosen because it marks the day Imam Mohammed bin Saud assumed power in Diriyah in 1727 CE, thereby establishing the First Saudi State, which lasted until 1818 CE. This date represents the beginning of the Kingdom’s modern history, a period characterized by political and economic stability and the spread of knowledge and culture.

National Symbolism

Founding Day is considered a significant national occasion for strengthening national belonging and pride in Saudi identity. Celebrations aim to remind new generations of their rich history, connect them to their historical roots, and guide them confidently and proudly towards the future. It also represents an opportunity to renew allegiance to the Saudi leadership and enhance national unity.
The approval of Founding Day as an official national occasion reflects the Saudi leadership’s commitment to strengthening national identity and pride in the Kingdom’s deep-rooted history. This decision aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to foster national belonging and pride in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s illustrious past.

السعودية الاخبارية ، موقع إخباري شامل يهتم بتقديم خدمة صحفية متميزة للقارئ، وهدفنا أن نصل لقرائنا الأعزاء بالخبر الأدق والأسرع والحصري بما يليق بقواعد وقيم الأسرة السعودية، لذلك نقدم لكم مجموعة كبيرة من الأخبار المتنوعة داخل الأقسام التالية، الأخبار العالمية و المحلية، الاقتصاد، تكنولوجيا ، فن، أخبار الرياضة، منوعات و سياحة.

اخبار تهمك

  • King Salman bin Abdulaziz: A Journey of Leadership and Sustainable Development

    King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born in Riyadh in 1935 and received his education at the Princes’ School, where he studied religious sciences and Hadith. He served as the Emir of Riyadh for 50 years (1963-2012) before being appointed Crown Prince in 2012 and then King of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015.

    During his tenure as Crown Prince, King Salman launched major development projects, including the establishment of the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue in 2003, which benefited over 50,000 participants. He also contributed to the development of Riyadh’s infrastructure, leading to a 38% increase in the per capita share of the capital’s GDP over a decade, according to the General Authority for Statistics.

    Upon assuming the throne, King Salman launched “Saudi Vision 2030” in 2016 as a roadmap for comprehensive development, contributing to:

    – Reducing the unemployment rate to 8.6% in the first quarter of 2023
    – Increasing women’s participation in the labor market to 37%
    – Attracting $19 billion in foreign direct investment in 2022

    King Salman led an active foreign policy, hosting the Riyadh Gulf-American Summit in 2017 with the participation of 55 countries. He also chaired the G20 Summit in 2020, which approved economic support packages worth $21 billion for countries worldwide. In a speech to the Shura Council in 2019, he affirmed: “We seek to enhance regional security and stability, and work to develop our nation’s potential and human resources.”

    Under King Salman’s leadership, Saudi Arabia witnessed the launch of qualitative projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project, which aims to attract one million visitors annually. His policies received international recognition, with the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) stating: “Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation offers a pioneering model of diversification and empowerment.”

    King Salman’s journey as a ruler and developer has touched every aspect of life in the Kingdom, from enhancing infrastructure to empowering youth and women, based on a strategic vision that combines authenticity and innovation and draws a promising future for future generations.