Celebrating the roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its Founding Day

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a shining example of the power of unity, strength, and determination.

On Saudi Founding day, we celebrate not just the birth of a nation, but the legacy of a visionary leader who united a people and set them on a path towards greatness.

History of Saudi National Day & Founding Day

During the second half of 1139 AH, Imam Muhammad bin Saud took control of Diriyah. As a result, the first Saudi State was established on Jumada II, 30, 1139 AH or February 22, 1727, CE. This year marks the second annual Founding Day celebration in the Kingdom, which the Cabinet established to honor Imam Mohammed Bin Saud’s 1727 founding of the nation. 

The official National Day is celebrated annually on September 23, commemorating the day King Abdulaziz ordered the unification of all of Saudi Arabia’s regions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has deep historical roots, and a new holiday, National Day, was created to celebrate this fact. 

Saudi Arabia celebrated its 90th National Day on September 23rd, 2022. The day is an opportunity for the people of Saudi Arabia to celebrate their national identity and pride and to reflect on the country’s rich history and accomplishments.

Origin of Founding Day Logo

While speaking about the Founding Day, one needs to take time to understand and appreciate its logo. The main components of the logo are the Saudi flag, the palm tree, the falcon, the Arabian horse, and the souq. These elements emerge from Saudi’s heritage and cultural themes inherent to the Kingdom. The logo’s font has been derived from Saudi’s historical manuscripts that tell the story of events of the First Saudi state. 

 

Why is Saudi Founding Day celebrated? 

From the legendary Bedouin warriors to the birthplace of Islam, the history of Saudi Arabia is a tapestry woven with the threads of courage, faith, and visionary leadership.

The goal of this celebration is to remember when Imam Mohammad Bin Saud established the first Saudi state, which they called Diriyah. While his rise to power occurred in 1727, the first Saudi state was not formally established until 1977. In that year, the first of the three Saudi states, the emirate of Diriyah, was established through an alliance with religious scholar Mohammad bin Abdul Wahab. Its downfall in 1818, however, paved the way for the modern Kingdom we know today, alongside the reestablishment of the state with a new capital known as Riyadh. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established in its entirety by King Abdulaziz in 1932 after years of shifting power and conflict.

How is Saudi Founding Day celebrated? 

Several exciting festivities are taking place across the country to mark the special occasion for three days. 

From the towering mountains to the vast deserts and everything in between, Saudi Arabia is a land of infinite diversity and beauty.

Central, Northern, Western, Eastern, and Southern sections make up the event. At the entrance to each area, guests can taste Saudi history and culture in the form of a miniature art exhibition featuring vintage photographs from the site in question. Narrators and actors will recount true stories dating back to the founding of each region. Considering its online audience, the Kingdom has also organized a virtual historical exhibition where students can showcase their artistic and literary interpretations of the significance of Founding Day. The world’s first and largest virtual event will take place on Tuesday.

 

Step into Arabian fashion and be prepared to be dazzled by the colors, textures, and intricate designs.

Saudi culture is beautifully reflected in the country’s traditional dress, which combines aesthetics and functionality in a way that is all it is own. This includes a modern appreciation for classic art, as exhibitions show early heritage photography so modern Saudis can learn more about their ancestors. Also, everyone will don their finest thobes and fustanis for this special occasion (dresses).

Experience the irresistible rhythm and soul of Arabian music – to bring results that are both timeless and cutting-edge.

The celebrations for Saudi Foundation Day are typically lavish and joyous, with public gatherings, parades, and fireworks displays. This year’s celebration is no exception, with various cultural, sporting, and entertainment events occurring across the country. Saudi Arabian music is a symphony of soul-stirring sounds that capture the essence of this dynamic and diverse country, from the hypnotic rhythms of the daf drum to the soaring melodies of the oud. 

In Riyadh, the Founding Operetta, a musical performance with Mohammed Abdo, Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Rashed AlFares, Majed Al Mohandes, and Dalia as the shining Saudi stars of the show will be showcased. 

The Nejnaj is a celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that will take place in Jeddah, Dammam, Taif, Hail, Tabuk, Riyadh, Abha, and Al Baha.

Arabian museums are like time machines, transporting visitors through the region’s rich history, art, and culture.

The National Museum in Riyadh will also host a traditional majlis from Tuesday (21st February) through Thursday (23rd February), with workshops and activities highlighting Saudi culture. Dhahran’s King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) will host a camel parade and traditional A’arda dance at the Lush Garden from February 22nd through the 26th in honor of Founding Day. A night of poetry and spoken word will highlight the rich oral tradition of the Kingdom. The event will also feature a fashion show to celebrate the cultural couture of the country.

Arabic culture is a rich tapestry of traditions and history woven together with the threads of hospitality, community, and beauty.

During the celebrations, people often dance and sing traditional Saudi songs, and there is usually an abundance of conventional food and sweets. Various cultural and sporting events, entertainment shows, and concerts also mark the day.

When the night sky in Saudi Arabia lights up with a dazzling fireworks display, it’s a spectacular reminder of the country’s vibrant spirit and love for celebration.

One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations was a spectacular fireworks display in the capital city of Riyadh, which illuminated the night sky with a burst of colors and lights. The presentation was accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, as well as the recitation of the Saudi national anthem.

Arabian cuisine is a feast for the senses, with flavors as bold and colorful as the culture that inspires it.

Arabic cooking is a gastronomic goldmine, brimming with aromatic herbs and spices. Arabic cuisine, from the succulent kebabs and shawarmas to the delicious hummus and falafel, is a gastronomic extravaganza. 

Traditional camel milk, dates, and Arabic coffee, all staples in the region’s cuisine, are served at the celebrations. A wide variety of conventional Saudi dishes are available at reduced prices or on special menus at many restaurants and cafes in honor of the holiday.

The people of Saudi Arabia are brimming with enthusiasm and joy & participate whole-heartedly in reminiscing the roots of their culture and history. Being in the Kingdom during the festivities strike a different chord and make it one of the most interesting times to visit. Book your flights & hotels to Saudi Arabia with our special offers and make the most of it.