In a cultural initiative aimed at instilling a sense of belonging and pride in the historical roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication , in cooperation with the Saudi Society for Fine Arts (JASFT) , organized the “Culture: Memory of a Nation and Spirit of its Founding” forum. This forum, part of the celebrations commemorating the Kingdom’s founding day, highlighted the pivotal role of the arts in shaping, preserving, and transmitting national identity across generations.
Historical background: Founding day and deep roots
Every year on February 22nd, Saudis celebrate "Foundation Day ," a national occasion commemorating the historic moment when Imam Muhammad bin Saud laid the foundation for the first Saudi state in 1727. This celebration is not merely a national day; it affirms the Kingdom's deep historical and cultural roots, spanning three centuries and grounded in the values of unity, authenticity, and resilience. In this context, cultural events like this forum serve to transform historical memory into a vibrant and tangible expression, connecting the present with the rich heritage of the past.
Cultural dialogue to promote values of loyalty
The forum, attended by the Secretary-General of the Center, Dr. Abdullah Al-Fawzan, featured a rich dialogue session moderated by Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Sulaiman. Participants included Dr. Hanaa Al-Shibli, President of the Jasfat Association, and Dr. Saud Al-Musaibih, Head of the Ta'aruf Center for Family Counseling. Dr. Al-Shibli emphasized that the forum aims to promote awareness of the values of the Founding Day as a civilizational continuation, noting that the arts are not merely aesthetic expressions but fundamental pillars for preserving national identity. She added that the events encourage participants to creatively express their belonging, stressing the important role of cultural associations in deepening this national loyalty.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
For his part, Dr. Al-Musaibih explained that culture and language are among the most important tools for building the Saudi identity and instilling a sense of national belonging since the founding of the Kingdom. He emphasized that arts and heritage have never been merely forms of entertainment, but rather a true expression of resilience, unity, and pride in one's roots. Locally, such gatherings contribute to strengthening the social fabric and fostering national pride among young people. Regionally and internationally, showcasing this cultural and artistic depth reflects a bright image of the Kingdom as a nation with a strong identity and a rich history, which aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , which places culture and heritage at the heart of its development plans.
Saudi identity in the face of globalization
The two speakers agreed that the current global openness necessitates a stronger commitment to cultural identity than ever before. They noted that Saudi identity is currently experiencing its golden age, blending tradition with aspirations for the future. The guests also emphasized the crucial responsibility of families in confronting digital globalization by instilling authentic Saudi values such as generosity and respect for elders in their children. The forum culminated in a specialized art exhibition and live painting demonstration, where artists presented artworks inspired by the Kingdom's values and reflecting the depth of its cultural identity, serving as artistic testaments to the nation's memory and founding spirit.
