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Saudi Founding Day: A story of roots, unity, and pride
On 22 February, Saudi Arabia pauses to remember where it all began. Founding Day is more than a date on the calendar — it is a moment of reflection, pride, and connection to roots that stretch back almost three centuries.
The story starts in 1727, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud laid the foundation of the First Saudi State in Diriyah. At that time, Diriyah was a small town, but it would become the birthplace of a political and social project that shaped the future of the Arabian Peninsula.
It is important to distinguish Founding Day from Saudi National Day. While National Day marks the unification of the modern Kingdom in 1932, Founding Day goes further back, highlighting the deeper historical roots of the state. It reflects continuity across generations and the evolution of three Saudi states that eventually led to the present-day Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Across Saudi cities, the celebration is both festive and meaningful. Streets are decorated with national symbols. Cultural events revive traditional music, poetry, and clothing from different regions. Families gather, children learn about their heritage, and social media fills with images of people proudly wearing historical attire.
But beyond the celebrations, there is something quieter and deeper. Founding Day invites reflection. It reminds people that stability and progress do not appear overnight. They are the result of long efforts, difficult decisions, and shared responsibility.
For international readers, including those in Hungary, Founding Day offers a glimpse into how Saudi Arabia sees its own journey — not only as a modern state undergoing rapid transformation, but as a nation deeply connected to its historical foundations.
In line with Saudi missions globally, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Budapest observes this day as a testament to its commitment to diplomacy and culture. It is a moment designed to foster genuine connections between the Saudi people and those of other nations, promoting a cultural exchange that transcends simple economic data or media reports.
In a fast-changing world, where identities can sometimes feel uncertain, remembering one’s origins becomes powerful. On 22 February, Saudis celebrate not only history. They celebrate belonging — the idea that their present is rooted in a story that began nearly 300 years ago in Diriyah, and continues to unfold today.
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