S/Arabia Marks 300 Years of Statehood with Founding Day Celebrations
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday commemorated its Founding Day, marking nearly three centuries since the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727, in a nationwide celebration of history, heritage and national identity.
Observed annually on February 22, the day honours the leadership of, who assumed leadership of the historic town of and laid the political foundation for the Saudi state. The milestone underscores the Kingdom’s enduring legacy of governance, unity and cultural continuity across generations.
To mark the 2026 anniversary, authorities declared the day a public holiday across public, private and non-profit sectors, enabling citizens and residents to participate fully in cultural and national events organised across major cities.
Founding Day, introduced in 2022 through a royal decree by, has rapidly evolved into one of the Kingdom’s most significant national observances, complementing Saudi National Day which commemorates the modern unification of the country in 1932 under.
Across the Kingdom, schools, cultural institutions and municipalities hosted exhibitions, traditional performances, heritage markets and educational programmes highlighting the evolution of the Saudi state from a desert polity to a globally influential nation. Citizens also showcased traditional attire, poetry, music and local cuisines as part of efforts to deepen historical awareness and reinforce national pride.
Officials emphasised that Founding Day is distinct for its historical depth, connecting present-day Saudi society with its early roots of political cohesion and shared identity. Historians note that the emergence of the first Saudi state helped unify disparate regions under structured governance and collective protection, setting the trajectory for long-term state-building.
In Riyadh and other key cultural districts, festivities featured storytelling sessions and heritage displays designed to inspire younger generations and strengthen cultural revival. Corporate organisations and community groups also joined the celebrations through internal cultural events and public engagement activities.
Beyond domestic significance, the celebration has drawn goodwill messages from regional leaders in past editions, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s strategic influence and its role as a stabilising force in the Arab world.
As the Kingdom advances its ambitious development agenda and global engagement, Founding Day serves as a reflective anchor, reinforcing values of unity, resilience and national pride that have shaped its journey over 300 years of statehood.