Founding Day… A Living Embodiment of Saudi Arabia’s Storied History and National Unity
Content:
The Saudi people renewed their commemoration of “Founding Day” on February 22nd this year, celebrating the deep roots of the Saudi state and the connection between its present and the glory of its past. This day, officially declared by a royal decree from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on January 27, 2022, represents 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 Mohammed bin Saud on the 30th of Jumada al-Ula, 1139 AH, corresponding to February 22, 1727 CE.
* The celebration aims to strengthen national belonging and evoke the values of heroism and sacrifice that the sons of this land demonstrated in protecting the state’s entity and stability.
* Founding Day is an independent occasion from Saudi National Day (celebrated on September 23rd, marking the unification of the Kingdom under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 CE), as it focuses on the historical founding moment nearly three centuries ago.
* The day’s events focus on strengthening national identity and pride in Saudi Arabia’s authentic 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 founding epic led by our valiant ancestors, and from which we draw lessons of unity, belonging, and sacrifice for the homeland.” (Previous statement on the official announcement of the day)
* Dr. Fahd Al-Asmari, 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 Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, Imam of the Grand Mosque: “Founding Day is a day of pride and honor, on 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:
* More than 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 various cultural and heritage events to celebrate the day in different regions of the Kingdom.
* The number of visitors to the Ministry of Culture’s Founding Day 2024 events in Riyadh, Diriyah, Jeddah, Abha, and Dammam exceeded 250,000 visitors during the first days.
Timeline:
* 1139 AH / 1727 CE: Establishment of the First Saudi State in Diriyah by Imam Mohammed bin Saud.
* 1233 AH / 1818 CE: End of the First Saudi State.
* 1240 AH / 1824 CE: Establishment of the Second Saudi State by Imam Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud.
* 1309 AH / 1891 CE: End of the Second Saudi State.
* 1319 AH / 1902 CE: King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud’s recapture of Riyadh, marking the beginning of the establishment of the Third Saudi State (the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).
* September 23, 1932 CE: Official declaration of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
* January 27, 2022 CE: Royal decree issued to adopt February 22nd of each year as a special day for the founding under the name “Founding Day.”
* February 22, 2024 CE: The third national celebration of Founding Day under the slogan “Stories of Glory.”
This year’s Founding Day celebrations, like previous ones, embody the spirit of pride in belonging and national unity, affirming the deep historical roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its continuity, where the bridge of glory extends from the founding moment three centuries ago in the heart of Najd to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, carrying with it the values of heroism, sacrifice, and unity that formed the foundation of the state and will remain a driving force toward a brighter future.
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.