JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman delivered a speech to mark the work of the fourth year of the sixth session of the Shoura Council on Wednesday. In his annual speech to the consultative body, the king talked about domestic and international issues.
In a televised two-minute speech, King Salman said Saudi Arabia's foreign policies are aimed at serving Arab and Islamic causes. He also referred to the importance of Saudi Arabia's custodianship of Islam's two holiest sites.
Opening his address, the king’s reminded the council saying “Your state was founded on the Holy Quran and Prophet's Sunnah (pbuh) and honored with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.”
On the country’s economic situation, King Salman said “the process of development and growth has continued in a rising pace, despite the international economic fluctuations.”
The king’s annual speech is considered an official start to the proceedings of the Shoura Council, as he sets the Kingdom’s position on current issues and defines goals that the state aspires to achieve over the next year related to industrial, political, economic and social priorities.
Before the king's speech, the Speaker of the Shoura Council Dr. Abdullah Al-Sheikh spoke on the Kingdom's foreign policy, saying “In terms of foreign policy of the Kingdom, the Palestinian cause still occupies an important focus in the Kingdom's policy while the Kingdom's efforts continued to support Syrian and Yemeni peoples and getting them rid of their crises.”
Upon his arrival at the council headquarters in Riyadh, the King was received by Prince Abdul-Ilah bin Abdulaziz, advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of Riyadh region; Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior; Prince Faisal bin Salman, governor of Madinah region; Prince Mohammed bin Salman, deputy crown prince, second deputy premier and minister of defense; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif; Prince Abdul-Majeed bin Abdul-Ilah bin Abdulaziz; and speaker of the Shoura Council Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, SPA reported.
King Salman addresses Shoura Council
King Salman addresses Shoura Council
Kingdom goes green to celebrate Founding Day
- Parks, streets, public spaces shine with national pride, while cultural programs, family activities bring communities together
RIYADH: Residents of Riyadh took part in an initiative to install First Saudi State flags to mark Founding Day on Feb. 22, organized by the Riyadh municipality.
The initiative, reflecting national pride and drawing community participation, enhanced the festive presence across neighborhoods, parks, streets, and public spaces.
The municipality also organized events across the city and governorates, illuminating main roads and public squares with more than 5,000 decorative lights, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Jeddah municipality launched a multi-day program to mark Founding Day, decorating main roads, squares, and the corniche.
A key event took place at Prince Majid Park on Sunday, featuring falconry, equestrian shows, and traditional handicrafts. Family activities included henna painting and creative workshops for children.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran marked Founding Day with a multi-night Ramadan program from Feb. 20–22, offering 30 heritage-focused activities in a festive, family-friendly setting.
Visitors enjoyed cultural events, films, exhibitions, and hands-on workshops. Riyadh resident Tiger Lee, visiting Dhahran for the first time, said he came to experience the celebrations and learn more about the Kingdom’s history.
Entry was free, with food outlets, a traditional souq, henna and Sadu weaving sessions, museum and library storytelling, and plaza exhibitions adding to the experience.
Meanwhile, traditional markets in the Baha region turned into lively cultural hubs, showcasing local heritage and national pride, the SPA stated.
Shops were decorated with flags and traditional handicrafts such as palm frond products and pottery, while visitors and locals wore traditional attire. The markets supported local artisans, boosted economic activity, and enhanced the region’s touristic appeal.
Government buildings and private facilities were also illuminated in green, marking 299 years of Saudi history since 1727.
The King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah was illuminated in green to mark the national occasion, reflecting pride, unity, and the Kingdom’s stability and progress.
The Tabuk municipality organized 23 cultural and heritage events across the region’s cities and governorates, in partnership with government and private entities, to highlight the day’s historical significance and strengthen national identity. Parks and public facilities were prepared to host residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, the Jazan municipality decorated the region with more than 1,500 banners and themed displays, transforming streets, parks, and public squares.
In coordination with government departments, the celebrations featured national performances, folk arts, and heritage showcases unique to Jazan.
