The city of Jeddah is preparing to celebrate Saudi National Day, which falls on February 22, 2026, with a comprehensive program developed by the municipality under the slogan “The Day We Began.” The program includes a wide range of events and initiatives spanning several days, covering main streets, squares, and public parks, with the aim of highlighting the historical significance of this national occasion and reinforcing feelings of pride in the deep-rooted history of the Saudi state.
Historical background and significance of the founding day
The Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 CE, with its capital in Diriyah. This day was declared a national holiday by royal decree in 2022, becoming a national occasion that embodies three centuries of rich history and reflects the journey of building the state, overcoming challenges to reach its current state of stability and prosperity. The importance of this occasion lies in connecting current generations with the history of their ancestors and familiarizing them with the foundations upon which the Kingdom was built, thus strengthening national identity and belonging.
Decorations adorn Jeddah's main landmarks
As part of its celebration plan, the Jeddah Municipality has begun implementing decorative measures reflecting the visual identity of the Kingdom's founding day. The plan includes installing thousands of flags along streets and main thoroughfares, as well as deploying lights and artistic displays inspired by Saudi heritage. Jeddah's main gates have also been adorned with congratulatory messages, and screens and billboards have been activated to display national messages that reflect the symbolism of the occasion and unify the city's visual landscape, creating a unique festive atmosphere.
Various activities for all family members
The events target diverse segments of society, with key locations including major squares such as Globe Square, Al-Tahlia Square, and Al-Qanadil Square, as well as vital thoroughfares like King Abdulaziz Road, Palestine Street, and the Central Corniche. Prince Majid Park will host a variety of events on February 22nd, featuring falconry and equestrian displays, traditional crafts demonstrations, and dedicated children's areas offering face painting and henna art, providing a rich interactive experience that reflects the cultural and historical significance of the occasion.
Local impact and future vision
The significance of celebrating the Kingdom's founding day extends beyond the local level, reflecting the Kingdom's global image as a nation with a rich history and cultural heritage. These celebrations align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the culture and tourism sectors. By highlighting this historical depth, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading tourist and cultural destination, presenting a comprehensive historical narrative that showcases its long journey towards unity and prosperity.
The Director General of Community Service at the Secretariat, Majid Al-Salmi, confirmed that the Secretariat was keen to prepare an integrated program that embodies the importance of the occasion, while harnessing all technical and operational capabilities to ensure that the events are implemented according to the highest standards, which contributes to showing Jeddah in a celebratory manner befitting this precious national anniversary.
