Saudi Founding Day: Bazaar Arabia’s Complete Guide To The Three-Day Long Weekend
Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know about the cultural holiday which celebrates KSA heritage, excellence and national pride
What is Saudi Founding Day? Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know about the exciting holiday and festivities, which will kick off this week…
Last year King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree, declaring that Saudi Arabia would have a new holiday in celebration of an important moment within the Kingdom’s history; Saudi Founding Day – not to be confused with Saudi National Day – will now take place in February, with the first official holiday commencing tomorrow.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud just announced that 22 February of each year will mark the Saudi #FoundingDay, and will become an official holiday. pic.twitter.com/C6s0tUTpSn
— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) January 27, 2022
The public holiday – which means a day off from work for all within the Kingdom – will celebrate the rich heritage and culture of the Kingdom, an opportunity for KSA nationals and residents to enjoy a day filled with festivities.
In anticipation of the new holiday, Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know about Saudi Founding Day…
What is Saudi Founding Day?
Saudi Founding Day celebrates the founding of the first Saudi state, the Emirate of Diriyah, by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in 1727 – which occurred in February of that year.
When is Saudi Founding Day?
Saudi Founding Day will take place on February 22, 2024; this is the third year the Kingdom will be celebrating the holiday.
How is Saudi Founding Day Different From Saudi National Day?
The purpose of Saudi Founding Day is to bring Saudi nationals closer to their heritage and customs, whereas Saudi National Day celebrates the unification of the kingdoms of Nejd and Hejaz. According to visitsaudi.com “… in 1932, the merged nations became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after the family of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, of the House of Saud.” National Day is celebrated on September 23 and Founding Day will be celebrated in February, in line with the founding of the Emirate of Diriyah.
What should I wear to Saudi Founding Day festivities?
Both women and men are encouraged to wear traditional dress.
Is Saudi Founding Day A Public Holiday?
Saudi Founding will take place on Thursday, February 22, 2024. This is the third year the Kingdom will be celebrating the holiday. The holiday will set up a long weekend for workers in the public and private sector, as the Kingdom’s weekend spans from Friday to Saturday.
Lead Image: Photography by Norah AlAmri from Harper’s Bazaar Saudi’s Spring 2021 issue.
