On the anniversary of the founding: King Salman affirms the principles of justice and unity
King Salman: We commemorate the founding of our blessed state on the word of monotheism and the achievement of justice
On the anniversary of the Kingdom's founding, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reaffirmed 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 upon the word of monotheism, the achievement of justice, and the unification of disparate tribes under one banner, which, by the grace of God Almighty, brought about security and prosperity.” These words reflect the essence of the Kingdom’s historical journey and underscore the fundamental principles that have shaped its identity and ensured its stability throughout the ages.
Founding Day: A celebration of deep historical roots
Every year on February 22nd, Saudis celebrate "Foundation Day," a national occasion established by royal decree in 2022. This day commemorates the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 CE, with its capital in Diriyah. This celebration connects current generations to their rich history and deepens their understanding of the historical and cultural depth of their nation, which spans three centuries and has passed through three main phases: the First Saudi State, the Second Saudi State, and finally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, unified by its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud.
Historical context: From diaspora to a unified entity
Before 1727, the Arabian Peninsula was characterized by political and social fragmentation and lacked a strong central authority. The establishment of the First Saudi State in Diriyah marked a historical turning point, as Imam Muhammad bin Saud successfully laid the foundations for a stable state based on clear principles. "Achieving justice" and "uniting the disparate tribes," as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques stated, were among the most important goals of this nascent state, which worked to unify the scattered tribes and regions under one banner, thus spreading security and stability in a region plagued by chaos and constant conflict.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, celebrating Founding Day contributes to strengthening national identity and pride in historical achievements. It offers new generations an opportunity to learn about the sacrifices and heroism of their ancestors in building a strong and stable nation. Regionally and internationally, highlighting this historical depth reinforces the Kingdom's position as a nation with deep historical roots, not merely a modern state whose emergence was linked to oil. This approach also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great importance on reviving national and cultural heritage and presenting it to the world as an integral part of the Kingdom's identity and promising future.
