Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University celebrated Saudi Arabia's National Day, which falls on February 22nd each year, by organizing a series of diverse cultural, artistic, and heritage events. Various agencies, deanships, colleges, departments, and centers within the university participated in organizing these celebrations, aiming to instill pride in the deep-rooted history of the Saudi state and strengthen national identity among the university's faculty, staff, and students.
Historical background of the founding day
Saudis celebrate National Day to commemorate the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 CE in its capital, Diriyah. This day represents a national occasion to remember three centuries of rich history, marked by heroism and sacrifices that contributed to building a political entity that achieved unity and stability. A royal decree issued in January 2022 declared this day an official holiday, affirming the great importance the leadership places on the historical and cultural depth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Various activities within the university campus
The celebrations took many forms on campus, with the Deanship of Student Affairs organizing a central event that saw wide participation from female staff and students. The event included a theatrical performance titled “The Day We Began… A Nation’s Story,” which creatively recounted the story of the Kingdom’s founding from its earliest roots to its bright and prosperous present. The celebration also featured live artistic performances that embodied the meanings of unity, pride, and national identity, which were met with great enthusiasm from the audience.
The event featured two main exhibitions: “The Day We Began” and “Roots.” These exhibitions showcased lifestyles during the founding era through meticulous recreations of traditional Najdi houses and the values they embodied, such as family cohesion, simplicity, generosity, and good neighborliness. The exhibitions offered visitors a unique opportunity to explore the tangible and intangible heritage that shaped the identity of Saudi society.
The importance and impact of the celebration
These celebrations are particularly significant as they take place at a leading educational institution like Princess Nourah University, the largest women's university in the world. They are not merely recreational events, but rather represent an integral part of the university's educational and national mission to connect new generations with their rich history and enhance their understanding of the historical context that led to the establishment of the Kingdom. These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating the Kingdom's historical and cultural heritage. They also contribute to highlighting the university's national role in supporting culture and the arts, and in providing a sustainable and stimulating learning environment that fosters creativity.
For a full week, various university departments engage with this national occasion by setting up cultural booths aimed at fostering national pride. The Media and Knowledge Impact Department participates with a digital media exhibition in the central library, offering visitors an interactive experience and an educational journey that reflects the historical significance of the founding day in modern and innovative ways.
