Every year on February 22, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pauses to commemorate Founding Day, a national occasion that honours the birth of the first Saudi state nearly three centuries ago. This year’s holiday, officially declared a paid public holiday for workers in the public, private and non-profit sectors, will once again spotlight Saudi Arabia’s deep historical roots, cultural heritage and national pride as it looks back on a remarkable journey from a desert oasis to a modern and globally connected nation.
At the heart of Founding Day is the remembrance of Muhammad bin Saud, who in 1727 assumed leadership of Diriyah and laid the foundation for the first Saudi political entity. That early moment marked the beginning of the Saud dynasty’s enduring statehood, setting in motion centuries of unification, governance and development across the Arabian Peninsula. While Saudi National Day (September 23) celebrates the modern unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz in 1932, Founding Day goes deeper into the historical bedrock that first brought political cohesion and identity to the region.
Saudi Arabia Founding Day 2026: Holiday and nationwide observances
This year, Sunday, February 22, 2026 has been designated an official holiday across all sectors, allowing citizens and residents alike to join in the celebrations. The announcement by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development underscores the holiday’s inclusive nature, ensuring that government employees, private sector workers and members of civil society can participate fully in the festivities.
In the lead-up to the official date, cities and schools across the Kingdom have already begun hosting cultural events, performances and educational activities centered on Saudi history. From heritage exhibitions and traditional markets to artistic showcases recounting the early days of the Saudi state, these programs aim to deepen public understanding of the country’s origins and instil a sense of pride and belonging.
Founded fairly recently in 2022 by a royal decree from Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Founding Day has quickly grown into one of Saudi Arabia’s most cherished national occasions, joining National Day and Flag Day as pillars of the Kingdom’s official calendar. It represents a distinctly historical, rather than modern unification, milestone, one that anchors Saudi identity in almost three centuries of continuity, culture and resilience.
Why Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day matters: History and significance
What sets Founding Day apart from other national holidays is its historical depth. Rather than commemorating a recent event, this occasion connects present-day Saudis with the age-old legacy of statehood that predates modern nation-states in the region. Historians emphasise that the enthronement of Muhammad bin Saud as leader of Diriyah did not just chart a political course, it forged a collective identity, uniting disparate tribes and regions under a shared banner of governance, social cohesion and mutual protection.
Celebrations often feature traditional dress, music, poetry and interactive exhibitions that bring Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage to life. Students take part in special school programs highlighting the milestones of the Saudi state; municipalities host interactive history walks and displays; and cultural institutions stage performances and storytelling sessions that illustrate the early challenges and triumphs of the Kingdom’s founders.
The holiday also serves as a moment for reflection on values such as unity, justice, resilience and national pride, principles Saudi leaders and citizens alike frame as central to the Kingdom’s development from a small desert polity into a global economic and diplomatic actor. The Cabinet itself has reiterated that Founding Day stands as “a source of historical pride,” reaffirming the unwavering trajectory of Saudi progress across centuries.
Saudi Founding Day also resonates beyond the Kingdom’s borders. In previous years, leaders from neighbouring countries, such as the President of the United Arab Emirates, have publicly extended greetings and well-wishes, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s historical journey and expressing hopes for continued regional cooperation and growth.
Such diplomatic gestures underscore the broader significance of the occasion: it’s not just a domestic celebration but an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to reaffirm its role as a pillar of stability and leadership in the Arab world, drawing on centuries of shared history and cultural heritage.
Modern festivities and cultural revival on Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day
Though rooted in history, Founding Day celebrations today reverberate with modern cultural expressions. In Riyadh’s Qasr Al-Hukm District, recent festivities concluded with cultural performances aimed at strengthening national identity and connecting attendees with the legacy of Saudi ancestors. Officials highlighted how the Kingdom’s development and prosperity reflect its historical foundations and inspire future generations.
Businesses and organisations also take part. For example, stc Group, one of the region’s leading tech firms, has hosted week-long internal events to honour the spirit of Founding Day, fostering community among employees and customers through rich cultural programming. Across social platforms and local media, Saudis proudly share stories of their heritage, traditional cuisine, regional costumes and family histories, transforming the holiday into a nationwide celebration of unity that bridges generations and regions.
Saudi Arabia Founding Day in context: Past, present and future
While the Kingdom’s National Day on September 23 commemorates the modern unification under King Abdulaziz in 1932, Founding Day goes deeper into origins, spotlighting the seminal moment when governance, identity and unity first took root in the oasis town of Diriyah nearly three centuries ago.
This year’s celebrations, marked by official holidays, vibrant cultural events and public participation, reiterate how deeply Saudis cherish their history.
As the nation strides forward under ambitious development plans and a growing global presence, Founding Day anchors that progress in a rich legacy, reminding citizens and residents alike of the steadfast values that have shaped Saudi Arabia’s past and continue to guide its future.
Founding Day is celebrated annually on February 22 to commemorate the establishment of the first Saudi state under Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. February 22, 2026 has been officially declared a public holiday across sectors. The holiday emphasises historical pride, national unity and cultural heritage, distinct from National Day which marks modern unification in 1932. Celebrations include cultural performances, educational programmes and community events designed to strengthen national identity.
