Saudi Foundation Day

On February 22nd each year, Saudi Arabia commemorates its national Foundation Day, marking the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud. It is the second non-religious holiday in Saudi Arabia and a new event to commemorate the deep historical roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This important holiday celebrates Saudi history, culture, values and achievements.

Let’s have a closer look at the history:

At the beginning of the fifth century, the Banu Hanifah tribe settled in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula. They started establishing a kingdom called Al-Yamama, centred in Al A’arid region in Najd, exactly in Wadi Hanifah.

After the fall of the Rashidun Caliphate, the Arabian Peninsula became unstable and there was no dominant authority. In 1446, Prince Mani’ ibn Rabi’a al-Muraydi returned to Central Arabia (where his ancestors had lived) and created Diriyah (combining neighbourhoods of Ghasyba and Al-Mulaybeed). This became the starting point for the establishment of the First Saudi state and the reason why Diriyah Saudi Arabia, is so important. We have a more in-depth look at Diriyah here.

Diriyah became an important city in the region due to the fact that for over more than 280 years, the sons and grandsons of Mani’ al-Muraydi ensured its positioning. On February 22nd, 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud became the ruler of Diriyah and began the establishment of the First Saudi State – hence Foundation Day.

Imam Muhammad bin Saud bin Muhammad bin Muqrin, was born in Diriyah in 1679. Whilst he was growing up there, he observed and took part in events of his father and grandfather, during their rule of the Diriyah emirate, which gave him experience in how to govern.

When he then became the ruler, he vowed to bring unity to the region by securing stability within Diriyah and the surrounding towns and tribes as well as protecting pilgrimage and trade routes. He also regulated and expanded the economic affairs of the state and strengthened the walls of Diriyah.​

If you have any Saudi clients we advise sending Greetings for the Foundation Day as this will be well received. You can find Greeting Cards as part of our Middle East Planner.

Commemorating the Holiday

As a dedicated public holiday, government offices, schools and businesses close across the Kingdom, allowing citizens and residents to celebrate Saudi pride and heritage. Festivities are expected to last several days. But the main objectives of celebrating Foundation Day is to encourage Saudi citizens to:

• Know their roots especially those of the Saudi State.
• Appreciate their leaders.
• Appreciate the the history of the first Saudi State and what this meant for the Kingdom.
• Understand the continuity of the Saudi State and its deep roots.

Major cities feature parades, cultural activities, art displays and street festivals showcasing traditional music, food and dance. Live music and dance performances are scheduled in cities including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam as well as fireworks and drone shows.

Foundation Day is very much in line with its forward-looking Vision 2030 agenda and showcases recent accomplishments to motivate ongoing growth. Cities unveil new cultural projects, tech hubs and community revitalisation efforts as symbols of an evolving Saudi Arabia.

Diriyah is also very much part of the Giga Projects in Saudi that form a huge part of what the Kingdom wants to achieve moving forward. What has been created so for the Diriyah project is only a fraction of what the project is set to become and there is a huge amount of opportunity to become part and help the Saudi kingdom to achieve their forward looking Vision 2030 (which will soon feature another Vision looking beyond 2030).

It is also important to note that if planning a business trip, these holidays are best avoided because celebrating the Kingdom and its achievements takes precedence. This can sometimes lead to frustration as holidays are added at short notice and Westerners are unaware.

By using our Middle East Planner you will know: any holidays in advance and never miss any occasion to connect with your clients as we stay on top of any regional news and developments for you. Aside from this we also provide MasterClasses and Guides. You can find our Middle East Resources here.