Saudi Arabia is gearing up to celebrate Founding Day on February 22, a date that carries deep historical significance for the Kingdom and its people. Commemorating the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in the oasis town of Diriyah in 1727, the annual holiday has become one of the most anticipated national occasions in the country.
This year, Founding Day falls on a Sunday, giving residents and citizens a three-day weekend to participate in the wide-ranging festivities planned across the Kingdom’s major cities. From Riyadh to Jeddah and beyond, cultural events, heritage exhibitions, and public celebrations will bring Saudi history to life in vivid fashion.
In Riyadh, the Qasr Al Hukm district is set to host an early celebration this Saturday, February 14, organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City in partnership with the Emirate of Riyadh Province. The Justice Square will be draped in the green and white colors of Founding Day, with a full program of cultural activities, a Founding Day exhibition, and traditional performances. Free tickets for the event are available through Webook.
The significance of February 22 stretches back nearly three centuries. On that date in 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud assumed leadership of Diriyah, transforming what was a small settlement into the capital of a unified political entity that spanned much of the Arabian Peninsula. His vision for security, trade, and governance laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Since its introduction as an official public holiday in 2022 by a Royal Decree from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Founding Day has grown into a celebration that blends heritage with the Kingdom’s forward-looking ambitions under Vision 2030. The holiday’s visual identity draws on powerful symbols of Saudi culture, including the palm tree, the Arabian horse, the falcon, and the traditional souq, each representing a pillar of the nation’s identity.
This year’s celebrations are expected to feature the popular Founding Nights program, which brings together contemporary music, traditional performances, and immersive cultural experiences. Citizens across the Kingdom are also encouraged to wear traditional regional attire, from the Bisht to the Sadiriyah, as an expression of pride in their local heritage.
For visitors and tourists, the official Visit Saudi portal offers updated schedules and event listings. With Diriyah’s UNESCO-listed At-Turaif District serving as the historical backdrop, Founding Day provides a powerful reminder of the roots from which the modern Kingdom has grown and the ambitious path it continues to chart.
