Every year on February 22, the Kingdom Saudi Arabia Stop by to commemorate Foundation Day, a national holiday commemorating the birth of the first Saudi state nearly three centuries ago. This year’s holiday, officially declared a paid public holiday for workers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, will once again highlight Saudi Arabia’s deep historical roots, cultural heritage and national pride, recalling its remarkable journey from a desert oasis to a modern and globally connected nation.At the heart of Statehood Day is the commemoration of Mohammed bin Saud, who assumed leadership of Diriyah in 1727 and laid the foundation for the first Saudi political entity. This early moment marked the beginning of the Saud dynasty’s enduring statehood, ushering in centuries of unification, governance, and development across the Arabian Peninsula. While Saudi National Day (September 23) celebrates the modern unification of the kingdom under King Abdulaziz in 1932, Foundation Day delves more deeply into the historical cornerstones that originally brought political cohesion and identity to the region.
Saudi Arabia State Day 2026: Holidays and National Commemorations
This year, Sunday, February 22, 2026, has been designated as a statutory holiday in all sectors, allowing citizens and residents alike to take part in the celebrations. The announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development emphasized the inclusivity of the festival, ensuring that government employees, private sector workers and members of civil society can fully participate in the celebrations.Ahead of the official date, cities and schools across the Kingdom have begun hosting cultural events, performances and educational events centered on Saudi history. From heritage exhibitions and traditional markets to artistic displays that tell the story of the early history of the Saudi state, these projects aim to deepen the public’s understanding of the country’s origins and instill a sense of pride and belonging.Established in 2022 by a royal decree from Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Statehood Day has quickly grown to become one of Saudi Arabia’s most treasured national holidays, becoming a mainstay of the kingdom’s official calendar along with National Day and Flag Day. It represents a distinctly historical rather than a modern unifying milestone that has cemented Saudi identity over nearly three centuries of continuity, culture and resilience.
Why Saudi Arabia’s Statehood Day Matters: History and significance
What distinguishes Founding Day from other national holidays is its historical depth. This moment is not meant to commemorate recent events, but to connect today’s Saudis to the region’s ancient national heritage that preceded modern nation-states. Historians stress that Mohammed bin Saud’s emergence as leader of Diriyah not only charted a political course but also forged a collective identity that united disparate tribes and regions under a common banner of governance, social cohesion and mutual protection.Celebrations often feature traditional costumes, music, poetry and interactive exhibitions that bring Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage to life. Students participate in special school programs that highlight the Saudi nation’s milestones; cities host interactive historical walks and exhibits; and cultural institutions host performances and storytelling events that showcase the early challenges and triumphs of the kingdom’s founders.The holiday is also a time to reflect on the values of unity, justice, resilience and national pride that were developed by Saudi leaders and citizens and are central to the Kingdom’s growth from a small desert polity into a global economic and diplomatic player. The cabinet itself reiterated that State Day is a “source of historical pride” and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering trajectory of progress over the centuries.Saudi State Day also resonates beyond the kingdom. In previous years, the President of the United Arab Emirates and other leaders of neighboring countries have publicly extended greetings and good wishes, celebrated Saudi Arabia’s historical journey, and expressed hopes for continued regional cooperation and development.The diplomatic gestures underscored the broader significance of the occasion: more than a domestic celebration, but an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to draw on centuries of shared history and cultural heritage to reaffirm its role as a pillar of stability and leadership in the Arab world.
Modern celebrations and cultural revival of Saudi Arabia’s State Day
Although rooted in history, today’s Founding Day celebrations are filled with modern cultural expressions. In Riyadh’s Qasr Al-Hukm district, recent celebrations concluded with cultural performances aimed at strengthening national identity and connecting attendees to the legacy of their Saudi ancestors. Officials highlighted how the Kingdom’s growth and prosperity reflect its historical foundations and inspire future generations.Businesses and organizations are also involved. For example, stc Group, one of the region’s leading technology companies, hosted a week of internal events to commemorate the spirit of its founding day, fostering community among employees and customers through rich cultural activities. Through social platforms and local media, Saudis proudly share stories of their heritage, traditional cuisine, regional dress and family history, turning the holiday into a national celebration of unity that connects generations and regions.
Saudi Arabia’s State Day Background: Past, Present and Future
The Kingdom’s National Day on September 23 commemorates the modern unity under King Abdulaziz in 1932, while Founding Day delves deeper into the origins, focusing on the seminal moment when governance, identity and unity first took root in the oasis town of Diriyah nearly three centuries ago.This year’s celebrations, marked by official holidays, vibrant cultural events and public participation, reaffirmed the value Saudis hold for their history. As the country moves forward with ambitious development plans and growing global influence, Foundation Day anchors this progress in its rich heritage, reminding citizens and residents of the unwavering values that shaped Saudi Arabia’s past and continue to guide its future.Founding Day is celebrated every year on February 22 to commemorate the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727 under the leadership of Imam Mohammed bin Saud. February 22, 2026 has been officially declared a public holiday for various departments. The holiday emphasizes historical pride, national unity and cultural heritage, unlike the 1932 National Day that marked modern unification. Celebrations include cultural performances, educational programs and community events aimed at strengthening national identity.
