To commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University's Media and Knowledge Impact Department organized an innovative digital media exhibition, held at the permanent exhibition space in the university's central library. The two-day exhibition targeted university faculty, staff, and students, aiming to strengthen national identity and pride in the deep historical roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Historical background of the founding day
Founding Day is a well-established national occasion, officially recognized by royal decree in 2022, and celebrated annually on February 22nd. This day commemorates the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 CE, with its capital at Diriyah. This date marks the beginning of a rich historical journey spanning three centuries, during which the foundations of a strong and stable state were laid, based on the principles of unity and security. The celebration of this occasion serves to reinforce awareness of the Kingdom's deep historical and cultural heritage and to celebrate the cultural legacy that has shaped modern Saudi identity.
A digital journey through the history of the Kingdom
The exhibition offered visitors a unique educational and interactive experience through nearly 20 digital screens, showcasing the history of the Saudi state in innovative ways. The digital content was designed to reflect the historical depth and diverse cultural heritage, taking visitors on a journey through time. The exhibition's supervisor, Professor Abeer Al Farhan, explained that the event included a series of interactive digital and artistic activities, featuring key milestones such as "The Journey of Imams and Kings Across Three Centuries" and "Diriyah and its Status as the First Saudi Capital." The exhibition also highlighted "Historical Palaces in the History of the Saudi State," "Costumes from Various Regions of the Kingdom," and explained "The Significance of the Founding Day Logo.".
The importance and impact of the event
The significance of this exhibition lies in its ability to utilize modern technologies to serve national heritage, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of preserving and showcasing national identity. Through the use of interactive touchscreens, a visual presentation highlighting the traditional craft of Sadu weaving, and student artwork, the university successfully created an inspiring learning environment that connects the new generation with its history. This initiative, the first of its kind among Saudi universities, underscores Princess Nourah University's pioneering role in driving intellectual and societal impact, supporting innovation in sustainable media, and fostering values of loyalty and belonging among its students and staff.
