Saudi Founding Day 2025: A Legacy of Glory and National Pride
On February 22, 2025, Saudi Arabia will celebrate the Founding Day, reviving the anniversary of the birth of the First Saudi State. This significant national occasion commemorates the establishment of the Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in the 18th century.
On this occasion, Saudis cherish their deeply-rooted history, celebrating the unity, security and stability brought by Imam Muhammad bin Saud. The First Saudi State paved the way for the emergence of the modern-day Saudi Arabia, a beacon of culture, prosperity and development.
Saudi Founding Day: Origins
At the beginning of the 5th century, the Banu Hanifah tribe settled in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, establishing the kingdom of Al-Yamama in Al-Aridh region on the banks of Wadi Hanifah in Najd. Later, this state became part of the State of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) after the advent of Islam.
After the end of the Rashidun Caliphate, instability spread in the region. In 1446 (850 AH), Prince Mani’ ibn Rabi’a al-Muraydi moved from first Diriyah, located near Al-Qatif in the Arabian Peninsula’s east, to the central Arabian Peninsula, returning to the land of his ancestors Banu Hanifa. His return marked the first foundation of the First Saudi State.
Prince Mani’ established the second Diriyah, merging Ghasyba and Al-Mulaybeed neighborhoods, which later expanded into a more secure and stable city.
Over 280 years, Prince Mani’ al-Muraydi’s sons and grandsons ruled the Emirate of Diriyah until Imam Muhammad bin Saud heralded a new era.
The First Saudi State
In February 1727 (1139 AH), Imam Muhammad bin Saud became the ruler of Diriyah, transforming it into a unified and independent political entity, after years of weakness and division. Thus, Imam Mohammed bin Saud established the First Saudi State, with Diriyah as its capital, and the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as its constitution.
During his reign, Imam Muhammad bin Saud brought unity, security and stability to Diriyah and the surrounding regions. Moreover, he secured the routes of Hajj (pilgrimage) and trade, regulated and expanded the State’s economy, and fortified Diriyah’s walls.
After that, the State embarked on unifying the regions of Najd, marking the first phase of the First Saudi State unification, which was completed during the reigns of Imam Muhammad bin Saud’s sons and grandsons.
Imam Muhammed bin Saud: The Founder
Imam Muhammad bin Saud bin Muhammad bin Muqrin was born and raised in Diriyah in 1679 (1090 AH). Working alongside his father and grandfather, who ruled Diriyah Emirate, Imam Muhammad bin Saud gained experience in governance and state affairs.
Before his ascension to the throne, Diriyah was in a state of weakness and division as a result of an internal conflict over ruling the Emirate; Diriyah’s campaign against the village of Al-Uyayna; and the spread of the plague across the Arabian Peninsula, which claimed many lives.
Despite all these circumstances, Imam Muhammad bin Saud succeeded in unifying Diriyah and stabilizing Al-Arid region, thanks to his great knowledge in politics and unwavering determination to rule a unified and prosperous state.
After 40 years of visionary and wise leadership, Imam Muhammad bin Saud passed away in 1765 (1179 AH). He had four sons, Abdulaziz, Abdullah, Saud, and Faisal, who carried on his legacy.
Greatest Achievements
As the founder of the First Saudi State, Imam Muhammad bin Saud achieved great accomplishments during his reign. These included unifying Diriyah’s two sectors and bringing them under one rule; regulating the economic affairs of the First Saudi State; and building Al-Tarfiyah new district in Samhan and moving his headquarters there.
Furthermore, Imam Muhammad bin Saud promoted education and transformed Diriyah into a destination for students; constructed Diriyah walls to defend it against attacks; securing Hajj and trade routes; uniting the greater part of Najd under his rule; and confronting military campaigns against the state.
Saudi Founding Day: Women Shaping the Nation
Women played a pivotal role in the establishment of the First Saudi State. They were the real heroines who took the burden of building the society which shaped the state and contributed to its prosperity and cohesion.
Women were known for their generosity, patience and sound management. They managed household affairs, raised children to value courage and defend their nation, and helped people in need.
One of the leading female examples is Imam Muhammad bin Saud’s wife, Mudi bint Sultan ibn Abi Wahtan al-Kathiri, who had a great influence in the establishment of the First Saudi State. She was the foremost supporter of Imam Muhammad bin Saud and the mother of his four sons.
Mudi bint ibn Abi Wahtan had an interest in learning and charity. She was an advisor to her husband, owing to her wisdom and sound judgment.
Honoring his mother’s name, Imam Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Saud established the famous endowment (waqf) in the At-Turaif neighborhood, Sabalat Mudi (a sabala is a charitable endowment for a community). It included two floors which offered free accommodation for merchants, visitors, and the needy, as well as students.
It also contained rooms for teaching, sleeping, eating, and storage; in addition to stables to house the animals of merchant caravans; and a mosque.
The Glorious Path Continued
Imam Muhammad bin Saud’s sons followed in his footsteps, upholding his legacy and resuming his mission. Under their rule, the First Saudi State was a beacon of culture, science and prosperity.
However, the First Saudi State ended in 1818 (1233 AH), when the Ottomans invaded the Arabian Peninsula and besieged Diriyah. But the elements of the First Saudi State remained steadfast, as the people remained loyal to their leadership. Leaders from Al Saud family emerged to re-establish the Saudi State.
In 1824 (1240 AH), Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud succeeded in establishing the Second Saudi State, with Riyadh as its capital.
Years later, in 1902 (1319 AH), King AbdulAziz bin Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Al Saud successfully recaptured Riyadh, in a turning point in the region’s history with the emergence of the Third Saudi State.
In September 1932, King Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree announcing unification of the country under the name (The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), starting from September 23rd, 1932. Hence, this has become the Saudi National Day, marking the birth of modern Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Founding Day Significance
The Saudi Founding Day is a symbol of the cohesiveness, stability and security of the Saudi State. It is also a unique occasion to celebrate the solid roots of the Saudi State and the resilience of the First Saudi State in the face of challenges.
On this day, Saudi people take pride in their national identity and honor their leaders, who dedicated themselves to building a unified and prosperous state.
In recognition of the historical and cultural significance of the occasion, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, said: “This state, which was founded nearly three centuries or more ago, is a state of unity, firmly rooted on the Quran and the Sunnah.”
The King added: “It was the unification of this vast kingdom into a single entity, where equality, justice, and faith prevail, that represented the first model of a stable nation in the modern era of our region.”
Similarly, the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, said: “We have very important historical roots, since time immemorial, that converge with many civilizations. Many think that the history of the Arabian Peninsula only goes back a short time. However, we know that the opposite is true, that we are a nation since time immemorial.”
Cherishing the Occasion
In 2022, King Salman issued a royal decree declaring the Founding Day as an official holiday in Saudi Arabia. The royal decree said 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.”
Falling on Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the day an official holiday for the private and non-profit sectors to celebrate the Saudi Founding Day.
The Founding Day celebrations are marked with a showcase of Saudi authentic heritage and national identity. People don their traditional attire, perform folk dances and eat traditional dishes.
