On the anniversary of the Kingdom's founding, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, affirmed the firm foundations upon which the Saudi state was built three centuries ago. In a tweet commemorating this glorious national occasion, he said: “On this glorious day, we remember the founding of our blessed state, established by our forefathers on the word of monotheism, the achievement of justice, and the unification of disparate groups under one banner, which, by the grace of God Almighty, brought about security and prosperity.”.
The Saudi state has deep historical roots
Every year on February 22nd, Saudis celebrate "Foundation Day," a day that symbolizes the deep historical and cultural roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This date dates back to 1727 AD, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud assumed rule of Diriyah, thus founding the First Saudi State. This event marked a pivotal turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, as Diriyah launched the process of building a strong, centralized state that established security and stability in a region previously plagued by fragmentation and conflict.
The first Saudi state was not merely a transient political entity, but a civilizational project founded on clear principles, most importantly the unification of the people under the banner of monotheism and the implementation of Islamic law, which guarantees justice and equality for all. This state succeeded in uniting vast parts of the Arabian Peninsula under one banner, paving the way for subsequent stages in Saudi history, culminating in the establishment of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud.
The importance of the founding day and its national impact
Celebrating Founding Day holds immense national significance, as it strengthens awareness among younger generations of their nation's deep historical roots and connects them to the legacy and sacrifices of their ancestors in building a unified and stable homeland. This day also highlights the unique cultural and civilizational identity of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the nation's journey did not begin in the 20th century, but is rather a continuation of a rich history spanning three centuries of struggle and development.
Regionally and internationally, the celebration of the Kingdom's founding day reinforces its image as a sovereign state with a long history of stable governance, thus strengthening its position as an active and influential force in its region. Recalling the founding principles of justice and unity sends a clear message about the values that continue to guide the Kingdom's domestic and foreign policies, supporting its role in achieving security and stability on the global stage, while simultaneously advancing the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, which builds upon this great legacy to create a brighter and more prosperous future.
