A royal decree was issued in February 2022 announcing that February 22nd will henceforth be known as Founding Day, to recognize the foundation of the First Saudi State in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud. Thus, it became an official holiday in all government and private bodies and sectors.
This step translates pride in the solid roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the close connection of its citizens to its leaders since the time of Imam Muhammad bin Saud three centuries ago. And based on this decision, the “Founding Day” has become one of the high national occasions in which all Saudi citizens must participate, given that it represents a defining day in the life of the nation.
The celebration of “Founding Day” is of great importance, especially for the present and future generations. It establishes customs and traditions and preserves the memory of history and the glories achieved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the time of Imam Muhammad bin Saud three centuries ago until now.
Not to mention that this anniversary confirms the need to preserve all concepts of national unity, friendliness, peace and brotherhood among members of the Saudi citizens, and to express their loyalty to the homeland.
The roots and meaning of the occasion
The celebration of “Foundation Day” is an expression of pride in the solid roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the close connection of its citizens to its leaders since the era of Imam Muhammad bin Saud three centuries ago.
On February 22nd, 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud became the ruler of Diriyah and began the establishment of the First Saudi State, which lasted until 1818, and its constitution was the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah of His Messenger, and the unity and security it established in the Arabian Peninsula.
It was only seven years after its completion that Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud managed to restore it and establish the second Saudi State in 1824. It continued until 1891; Ten years after its end, God appointed King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Faisal Al Saud in 1902 to establish the third Saudi State and unite it under the name “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” His sons, the kings, followed his path in strengthening the building and unity of this state.
Founding Day and National Day
A group of historians asserted that there is no conflict between the Saudi Founding Day and the National Day. The Founding Day is the day on which the first Saudi state was established and aims to commemorate the historical foundation of the Saudi State.
As for National Day, it is the day of the unification of the Kingdom on September 23. This date dates back to the royal decree issued by the founding King Abdul Aziz No. 2716, dated Jumada Al-Awwal 17, 1351 AH, which decided to change the name of the state from the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd and its attachments to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Among the main objectives of the founding day are the following:
-Cherish the solid roots of the Saudi state.
-Cherish the close bonds between themselves and their leaders.
-Appreciate the cohesiveness, stability and security established by the Saudi state.
-Appreciate the resilience of the First Saudi State and its defense against enemies.
-Appreciate the continuity of the Saudi State, as a reflection of the strength of its leaders, and its deep roots.
-Cherish the national unity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established by King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Faisal Al Saud.
-Be proud of the achievements of the Kings of Saudi Arabia in building the country and strengthening its national cohesiveness and prosperity.
