The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rich in culture and heritage, so – of course – its people are patriotic and proud of their roots. Below, GRAZIA tells you everything to know about the Saudi Founding Day, from the story behind it to how it’s celebrated.
What is Saudi Founding Day?
The establishment of the first Saudi state in the region is commemorated on Saudi Founding Day. In February 1727, Imam Mohammed bin Saud founded the Emirate of Diriyah, and the occasion also represents his rise to power as he oversaw the transformation of Diriyah from a city to an emirate.
The date of Saudi Founding Day is Thursday, February 22, 2024, and the holiday will be observed in the Kingdom for the third year running. Given that the Kingdom’s weekend runs from Friday to Saturday, the holiday means employees in the public and private sectors get to enjoy a long weekend.
While National Day commemorates the joining of the kingdoms of Nejd and Hejaz, Saudi Founding Day reconnects Saudi citizens to their cultural past. Additionally, in observance of the Emirate of Diriyah’s inception, Founding Day is observed in February.
How is the occasion celebrated?
In celebration of the occasion, the Kingdom will hold various events, such as air shows and a military display honouring the Kingdom. Of course, there will be lots of traditional music and folklore dances, as well as plenty of Saudi food and drinks. Men and women are inspired to dress traditionally for the occasion. For women, this means modest clothes with bold colours and beaded accents, as well as henna tattoos on the hands and feet.
