The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, receives congratulatory messages from leaders, kings, and heads of brotherly and friendly countries around the world, on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding day, which falls on the twenty-second of February every year.
These international congratulations reflect the high standing that the Kingdom enjoys on the global stage, and the strong relations that bind it to various countries around the world, built on mutual respect and common interests.
Historical background of the founding day
Founding Day is a national occasion to celebrate the deep-rooted history of the Saudi state and commemorate its establishment by Imam Muhammad bin Saud more than three centuries ago. In 2022, a royal decree designated February 22nd of each year as the anniversary of the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727, with its capital in Diriyah. This day aims to reinforce the strong connection of citizens to their nation's long history and to celebrate the path of unity, stability, and security laid by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, which has continued to form the nucleus of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Founding Day is distinct from National Day, celebrated on September 23rd, which commemorates the unification of the Kingdom by its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, in 1932.
The importance and impact of the event
Domestically, the celebration of Founding Day reinforces national identity and belonging among the Saudi people, connecting present generations to their rich past and cultural heritage. Regionally and internationally, the outpouring of congratulatory messages from leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, such as the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar, underscores the deep fraternal ties and shared history that bind the nations of the region. Furthermore, the greetings from leaders of Arab and Islamic countries, as well as friendly nations across various continents, testify to the Kingdom's pivotal role as an influential force striving for stability and peace, an active partner in the international community, and a prominent member of the G20.
Congratulations from Bahrain and Qatar
Among those offering congratulations, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain sent a cable of congratulations to his brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, expressing his best wishes to King Salman for continued health and happiness, and to the people of the Kingdom for further progress and prosperity. His Majesty also commended the Kingdom's civilizational and developmental achievements, which have strengthened its regional and international standing. Similarly, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince received congratulations from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, reflecting the strong fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries.
