RIYADH: At the fifth official founding day since the national holiday was first introduced in 2022, Saudi Arabia’s citizens are tuning in for one of the most festive days of the year — one that continues to evolve and blossom with every iteration.

Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi State in by 1727 Imam Mohammed bin Saud. It is a celebration of the nation’s cultural roots, unity across the Kingdom, and pride for the country’s history and its accomplishments.

As Saudi Arabia continues its pursuit of Vision 2030, Founding Day is an occasion that honors the past while harboring excitement for the momentum carried toward the future.

Arab News spoke to Faisal Al-Amer, senior director of research and cultural accreditation at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, about the significance of the day.

“On Feb. 22, 1727, this nation was founded on unity and a shared vision for prosperity.

“Nearly three centuries later, we commemorate the stories of our heroes — their sacrifices and the remarkable efforts through which they laid the foundations of what we are today as Saudis.”

Saudi citizens have broadened their celebrations of Founding Day since it became an official holiday, extending festivities from local art and music to both private and public sector activities.

In the first edition in 2022, celebrations included fireworks and aerial drone shows, as well as celebrations through concerts like those from “Founding Operetta.”

At the time the National Museum also hosted majlis events to celebrate both the history and culture of the Kingdom.

Since then, Founding Day celebrations have blossomed. 2023 honored the holiday through iconic events like the Founding Day Historical March and immersive activities exploring traditional clothing, music and food.

With people off from work and school, festivities are gaining in popularity, with many dressing in traditional clothing to honor the holiday.

As Al-Amer said: “We celebrate, and we carry their legacy forward.

“We honor the individuals who shaped our history and the values they embodied: generosity, steadfastness, resilience, courage and loyalty.

“As we celebrate our founders, we are reminded to appreciate what we have and to value it in the present.”

Another important facet of Founding Day is to connect the holiday with the country’s distinctive natural landscape.

According to the official tourism platform Visit Saudi, activities that celebrate heritage sites and natural attractions are at the core of understanding the Kingdom’s history, its journey thus far, and the direction it is moving.

As Al-Amer told Arab News, one of the most symbolic locations in the Kingdom is the ancient city of Diriyah.

“Diriyah, the birthplace of our nation, stands as a living hub of our tangible, intangible and natural heritage — heritage we proudly highlight on a day as meaningful as Founding Day.”

What the government established as a historical commemoration of history has grown through the years as a culturally and socially embedded holiday that has been honored by different sectors from tourism to entertainment and the arts.

Keenness to embrace the holiday by integrating it into educational curriculums shows that the very unity the holiday emphasizes is alive and well.

For example, Pakistan International School Jeddah created a week-long activity last year to celebrate Founding Day while educating students through interactive activities and presentations.

This Founding Day in particular, is taking place during the holy month of Ramadan, which creates an intersection of two celebratory occasions overlapping to create a unique celebration compared with previous years.