Founding Day & National Day: Honoring Two Pivotal Moments in Saudi Arabia’s History
Saudi Arabia is gearing up for the Founding Day celebrations on February 22, 2025. The Founding Day is a national occasion that commemorates the establishment of the First Saudi State on the hands of Imam Muhammad bin Saud three centuries ago.
On this occasion, all the Kingdom’s regions mark the Founding Day with festivities and special events, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rich history and national identity.
Founding Day & National Day: Two Separate Occasions
The Saudi Founding Day is not the only national celebration in the Kingdom as Saudis also observe the National Day on September 23 of each year.
However, some people may confuse the two national occasions. Below are the key differences between Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day and National Day:
Saudi Founding Day
On February 22, 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud established the Saudi State as a political entity to achieve unity, stability and prosperity in the Arabian Peninsula.
He took Diriyah as the capital of this state, and the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) as its constitution. This state has become to be known as the First Saudi State.
Under Imam Muhammad bin Saud’s rule, Diriyah flourished as a center for commerce, culture and knowledge. Each year, Saudis celebrate the nation’s peace, stability and justice, which continue to our present day.
Saudi National Day
On the other hand, the Saudi National Day marks the birth of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On September 23, 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud announced the unification of Najd and Hejaz into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
All parts of the modern Kingdom unified under the name of Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh as its capital, Arabic as its official language and Quran as its constitution.
Official Holiday
In recognition of the Founding Day’s national significance, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued a royal decree in 2022 declaring the national occasion as an official holiday in the Kingdom.
The royal decree stated that “the 22nd of February of every year shall be designated to mark the commemoration of the founding of the Saudi state under the name “Founding Day,” and shall be an official holiday.”
Founding Day Celebrations
This year, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced Saturday, February 22, 2025, an official holiday for the private and non-profit sectors to celebrate the Saudi Founding Day.
During the Founding Day celebrations, Saudis honor their heritage and national identity, taking pride in their history and cultural legacy. They wear traditional attire and perform folk shows. Moreover, Saudi showcase their authentic culinary arts by cooking traditional dishes and enjoying the signature Saudi coffee.
Each Saudi region holds a variety of cultural and entertainment events to commemorate the occasion, highlighting the Kingdom’s history and promoting national pride.
