The Cultural Attaché in Washington celebrates Saudi National Day 2024
In a patriotic atmosphere brimming with pride and honor, the Saudi Cultural Attaché in Washington organized a joyous celebration of the Kingdom's National Day, which falls on February 22nd each year. The event served as a vibrant cultural platform, bringing together members of the embassy, its affiliated attachés and technical offices, along with a large gathering of Saudi citizens and students studying in the United States, to strengthen national ties and highlight the historical depth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Historical background of the founding day
The Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 CE, with its capital in Diriyah. This day marks the beginning of a remarkable historical journey spanning three centuries, during which the Saudi state laid the foundations for unity, security, and stability in the Arabian Peninsula. A royal decree issued in January 2022 declared this day an official holiday, affirming pride in the state's deep-rooted history and the strong bond between citizens and their leaders since the reign of Imam Muhammad bin Saud.
Rich cultural and heritage events
The Cultural Attaché's office was adorned with a variety of displays and activities that reflected the richness of Saudi heritage. These included exhibits of historical symbols, heritage artifacts, and authentic handicrafts, as well as dedicated sections showcasing the diverse and beautiful styles of traditional Saudi dress from different regions. A unique competition for scholarship students was also held, the "Founding Parade," where they decorated their vehicles with national symbols and emblems commemorating this significant occasion. To add a modern visual touch, the main facade of the Cultural Attaché's building was decorated with visual displays depicting the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its stages of development, attracting the attention of passersby and highlighting the importance of the celebration.
The importance of the celebration and its role in cultural diplomacy
Dr. Tahani Al-Baiz, the Saudi Cultural Attaché in the United States and Canada and supervisor of South American countries, affirmed that this celebration comes “in pride in the deep-rooted history of the Saudi state and in commemoration of what the Founding Day represents in the journey of the Saudi state since its establishment on the principles of unity, stability, and development.” She added that holding this event at the attaché’s office contributes to showcasing Saudi cultural heritage to visitors of various nationalities and strengthens the role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges of understanding between peoples. The importance of these events abroad lies in consolidating national identity among scholarship recipients and presenting a positive image of the Kingdom’s culture and rich history, in line with the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence on the international stage.
Scholarship recipients... ambassadors for the nation
For their part, a number of scholarship students expressed their happiness at participating in this national event. In separate interviews, they emphasized that they represent the Kingdom as ambassadors of love and peace in their academic and social environments. They noted that they feel a responsibility to represent the Kingdom honorably by striving in their studies, building bridges of communication with their peers from diverse cultures, and presenting a positive image of the ambitious Saudi citizen who contributes to building the future of their nation and the world.
