![A large flag of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is seen flying near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 14 December, 2023. [Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-1853589608.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Saudi Arabia marked Founding Day on Saturday with nationwide celebrations, commemorating the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727, Anadolu Agency reports.
The annual national occasion, observed on Feb. 22, drew widespread congratulations from Arab leaders, while events across the Kingdom showcased the country’s rich history and heritage.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz reflected on the significance of the day in a post on the X platform, stating: “We take pride in the anniversary of the founding of our blessed state three centuries ago, built on security, justice, and pure faith, and its approach remains steadfast since then, in a homeland that is advancing towards leadership in various fields.”
According to the Saudi News Agency, leaders from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Morocco, Palestine, and Yemen extended their congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion.
Festivities took place throughout Saudi Arabia, with cities including Riyadh, Jazan, and Jeddah hosting artistic performances, traditional dishes, and cultural heritage activities to honor the country’s founding.
Saudi embassies around the world also joined in the celebrations. The kingdom’s embassy in Kyrgyzstan organized an event at the Kyrgyz National History Museum, while the embassy in Syria hosted a reception in Damascus.