Saudi Arabia’s first Founding Day celebrations start

Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud last month issued a royal decree announcing a new public holiday in the Kingdom – the ‘Founding Day’. Today will be the first Founding Day and will include celebrations to commemorate three centuries since the first Saudi state was established.

The idea is to pay homage to the rich heritage and traditions of the country, culminating in several days of festivities for the citizens and residents. On the cards are many shows across the city of Riyadh spanning the next three days, and will feature performances by several Saudi artists.

The festivities around the new national holiday spilled onto social media as well with Saudi content creator such as Nojoud Alrumaihi taking to Instagram to pay homage to the country. Other content creators such as make-up artist Waad Altarki, also showcased images in traditional clothing as part of her tribute to the day to her nearly three million followers on the platform. There are additional plans for spectacular fireworks in the evening to mark the occasion.

Expectedly, the Founding Day marks the founding of the Saudi state by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in February of 1727. The overall remit of the special day is to attempt to strengthen ties between Saudi nationals and to draw them closer to their inimitable heritage.

In essence, it is a celebration of one of the largest and most influential countries in the region and its people. Over the course of the next three days there are several events and concerts planned to mark the occasion, and the government is encouraging visitors to wear traditional Saudi clothing to the event to demonstrate their love for the country’s spectacular culture.