Founding Day: National Celebrations Marking the Establishment of the Saudi State
Founding Day: National Celebrations Marking the Establishment of the Saudi State
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed widespread national celebrations on the occasion of Founding Day, which falls on February 22 each year, as parades and aerial displays filled the streets and squares, while buildings and facilities were adorned with flags and decorations.
The significance of this day stems from its commemoration of the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in 1727 CE, which formed the nucleus of a unified political entity in the Arabian Peninsula and lasted for more than a century before falling to Ottoman forces in 1818 CE.
The celebrations included military air and ground displays in several cities, with participation from various security and military sectors, in addition to fireworks displays lighting up the skies of Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Taif, and other cities.
The Ministry of Culture also organized diverse cultural and heritage events across all regions of the Kingdom, including art and craft exhibitions, folk performances, theatrical productions, as well as sports and entertainment competitions.
In a televised address on this occasion, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed that Founding Day represents “a source of pride and honor for every Saudi,” noting that it is “a day on which we remember the sacrifices of our fathers and forefathers and draw inspiration from them for determination to continue the path of construction and development.”
He added: “Today we celebrate the anniversary of our first state, which was founded on the principles of monotheism, justice, and consultation, and which represented a unique model of governance in the region.”
Professor of History at King Saud University, Dr. Abdullah Al-Maqbel, stated that “Founding Day represents an opportunity to highlight the deep historical roots of the Saudi state and showcase its pivotal role in spreading the reformist call, unifying ranks, and establishing the foundations of security and stability.”
Al-Maqbel added in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency: “Celebrating this occasion reflects pride in national identity and honorable history, and enhances the sense of belonging and loyalty to the homeland and its wise leadership.”
On this occasion, the Saudi monarch King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal order designating February 22 of each year as an official holiday called “Founding Day,” to be added to the list of national occasions that receive special attention and care from the leadership.
صحيفة عكاظ اليوم ، 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.