In a patriotic and historical atmosphere, the Board of Grievances and its staff celebrated the anniversary of Saudi Arabia's founding day, which falls on February 22nd each year, in a special evening held in Diriyah, the cradle of the first Saudi state and its historical capital. The event was attended by His Excellency the President of the Board of Grievances and Chairman of the Administrative Judiciary Council, Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Ahaideb, and a large gathering of the Board's staff, in a gesture that underscores the connection of modern national institutions to the deep historical roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Historical background: Founding day and the roots of the Saudi state
Saudis celebrate Founding Day to commemorate the historic moment when Imam Muhammad bin Saud established the foundations of the first Saudi state in 1727, with Diriyah as its capital. This national occasion, established by royal decree in 2022, aims to celebrate the deep-rooted history of the Saudi state and emphasize its three centuries of stability, unity, and development. Founding Day is distinct from National Day, celebrated on September 23, which commemorates the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, in 1932.
The importance of the celebration in Diriyah
The choice of Diriyah as the venue for this event was no coincidence. Diriyah is not merely a place; it is a historical symbol embodying the story of a nation's founding and the building of a state. As the first capital, Diriyah served as a cultural, political, and social center, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Holding the celebration in this historic location connects the present with the past and offers members of the Board of Grievances an opportunity to draw inspiration from the values of resilience and determination upon which the first Saudi state was founded.
Event details and impact
The National Day celebration organized by the Board of Grievances featured a variety of cultural and heritage events designed to introduce attendees to the history of the First Saudi State and its social and cultural legacy. The events were well-attended by employees who actively participated in the various activities, and commemorative gifts bearing the theme of the occasion were distributed. The celebrations were not limited to the headquarters but extended to all administrative courts and affiliated facilities throughout the Kingdom, where the premises were decorated and the official logo of the founding day was prominently displayed, reflecting a spirit of collective participation and reinforcing national pride among all employees.
The Board of Grievances' keenness, as one of the Kingdom's most important judicial institutions, to engage with national occasions reflects a deep belief in the importance of fostering national spirit as an integral part of the work environment. This participation not only contributes to cultivating a sense of belonging but also affirms that state institutions, including the judiciary, are part of the fabric of the nation, sharing its history and aspirations, and progressing alongside the Kingdom's comprehensive development journey towards achieving leadership and excellence, including leadership in the field of administrative justice.
