Founding Day in Saudi Arabia honors the year 1727, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud established the first Saudi state in Diriyah. Declared a holiday in 2022, it highlights the Kingdom's nearly three centuries of history, complementing National Day (1932) and deepening the sense of Saudi cultural identity.

When is Founding Day?

Founding Day in Saudi Arabia is celebrated every year on February 22.

The following is the list of Founding Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Founding Day?

Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud became ruler of Diriyah, a small oasis town near modern-day Riyadh.

Under his leadership, Diriyah became a center of unity, stability, and governance, laying the foundations for what would eventually become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This period marked the beginning of a new era in the Arabian Peninsula, as the Saud family began consolidating territories based on principles of justice, security, and Islamic values.

First Saudi State (1727–1818): Founded by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, expanded across much of the Arabian Peninsula before being defeated by the Ottoman Empire.

Second Saudi State (1824–1891): Reestablished in Riyadh by Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud but later fell after internal conflicts.

Modern Saudi State (1902–1932): Founded by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who captured Riyadh in 1902 and eventually unified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.

For decades, Saudi Arabia celebrated only National Day (September 23), which marks King Abdulaziz's unification of the Kingdom in 1932.

In January 2022, King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree establishing February 22 as Founding Day, to commemorate the beginning of the first Saudi state in 1727.

This distinction was introduced to highlight that Saudi Arabia's history extends further back than 1932, reinforcing the Kingdom's deep roots and enduring legacy.