Founding Day: Celebrating the Saudi Story

Mark your calendars! February 22 is Saudi Founding Day, a national holiday that’s more than just a history lesson—it’s about celebrating the Kingdom and its people in all their diversity and shared history. It’s about what it means to be Truly Saudi. 

What’s the Story? 

All the way back in 1727 (for context, that’s seven decades before the U.S. Declaration of Independence!), Imam Muhammad bin Saud took the first steps toward shaping what we now know as Saudi Arabia. He established the First Saudi State in Diriyah, a historic city near today’s capital, Riyadh. This was the beginning of a vision that would eventually unite the Arabian Peninsula into the modern Kingdom, laying the foundation for today’s Saudi identity. 

Why Does It Matter? 

Saudi Founding Day isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating the rich culture and traditions of every province in the Kingdom. So, whether they hail from the snowcapped mountains of the North, the glorious central deserts or the stunning coasts, Saudi Founding Day is a moment for all Saudis to connect with their heritage and take pride in their shared history. 

National Day or Founding Day? 

Some might wonder, ‘Isn’t it just an Independence Day holiday?’ Not quite. Here’s the breakdown of the Kingdom’s milestones: 

Saudi Founding Day (February 22) celebrates the founding of the first Saudi Kingdom in 1727 in Diriyah, a time for exploring the cultural richness and historical roots of Saudi Arabia. 

Saudi National Day (September 23) marks the unification of the modern Kingdom by King Abdulaziz in 1932, a time for national pride and celebrating Saudi Arabia’s progress. 

What’s on? 

Saudi Founding Day is all about engaging with the culture and the festivities bringing something for everyone. Why not try out some traditional fashion and rep your Saudi fits with pride as you delight in Saudi flavors from all around the Kingdom? 

The calendar is stacked with Riyadh Season, Diriyah Season, and the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, making it a perfect time to visit, no matter your speed. And because Founding day coincides with Ramadan this year, you can catch special experiences that go late into the night, like the three-night, immersive experience at Ithra, with everything from a souq to storytelling and henna sessions. 

It’s a mix of cultural exploration and national pride you’ll want to experience for yourself.