Saudi Arabia sets Guinness World Record for largest Ardah performance during Founding Day festivities

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has clinched a Guinness World Record for hosting the largest performance of the traditional Saudi Ardah. The event, staged on Sunday at Al Adl Plaza in Riyadh, drew more than 50,000 people and concluded four days of Founding Day celebrations starting from February 20 to 23.

The Ardah — one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinctive cultural expressions — featured 633 performers in synchronized drumming and dancing, claiming the record for the biggest gathering of its kind.

The performance was the centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s commemoration of its Founding Day, an annual occasion celebrated on February 22 to honor the early origins of the Saudi state.

The holiday was designated a national celebration in 2022 by a royal decree from King Salman, who sought to highlight the historic leadership of Imam Mohammed bin Saud, credited with establishing the Saudi state in Diriyah in 1139 AH (1727 CE).

Over four days, visitors explored a heritage exhibition spotlighting Saudi Arabia’s formative years and subsequent milestones under various kings and leaders.

Photographs, historical documents, and immersive visual displays traced the arc of the Kingdom’s evolution, from its early governance to modern achievements in fields such as infrastructure and education.

An interactive “time travel” feature allowed attendees to virtually traverse the centuries, witnessing key moments in Saudi history. Organizers said the exhibit aimed to engage younger generations with a dynamic portrait of their nation’s past and foster a deeper appreciation for its roots.