On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, Saudi Arabia celebrated the Founding Day, commemorating the declaration of the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. On January 27, 2022, King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree designating February 22 of each year as the anniversary of the founding of the Saudi state, known as “Founding Day,” and making it an official holiday.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed pride in the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud nearly three centuries ago, considering it a dear occasion for all citizens. He emphasized that Founding Day marks the beginning of a bright chapter in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, where the First Saudi State succeeded in uniting the tribes and regions of Najd under one banner and establishing the foundations of security and stability in the region.
The Founding Day celebrations included various events and activities across the Kingdom, with streets and squares adorned with national flags and decorations, military parades and folk festivals held, and schools and institutions organizing national programs to introduce the history and heritage of the Kingdom.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, a professor of history at King Saud University, stated that Founding Day represents a valuable opportunity to learn about the deep roots of the Saudi state, which has spanned nearly 300 years through three successive Saudi states. He added that the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud was a historical turning point in the Arabian Peninsula, where it succeeded in uniting the tribes of the Najd region and establishing the foundations of stability and prosperity.
Al-Maghlouth noted that the First Saudi State continued until 1818, when it fell to the Egyptian army led by Ibrahim Pasha, before the Second Saudi State was established in 1824 by Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Saud, which lasted until 1891. Then, the Third Saudi State was founded by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1902, which evolved into the present-day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Fahd Al-Samari, the head of the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue, affirmed that Founding Day is a precious national occasion for Saudis, as they recall the sacrifices of their fathers and grandfathers in building national unity. He added that this occasion comes within a series of national occasions that the Kingdom is keen to celebrate, such as the National Day and the anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to the Crown Prince, in order to enhance national belonging and pride in the
