The Jeddah Municipality announced its full readiness to celebrate the glorious anniversary of the Kingdom's founding on February 22, 2026, through a comprehensive and extensive celebratory program covering the entire city. These preparations, under the slogan "The Day We Began," reflect feelings of pride and deep-rooted connection to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through a diverse range of events and initiatives aimed at showcasing national identity within the urban landscape of the Red Sea's jewel.
Historical depth: Three centuries of glory
The celebrations of Founding Day hold special significance as they commemorate the pivotal historical moment in 1727 CE, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud established the First Saudi State, with Diriyah as its capital. This day is not merely a passing occasion, but rather a reminder of a struggle and nation-building process spanning more than three centuries, which laid the foundations for security and stability in the Arabian Peninsula. The events held in Jeddah aim to connect new generations with this rich heritage and to familiarize them with the sacrifices that led to the unity and prosperity the Kingdom enjoys today.
A comprehensive plan to decorate squares and streets
As part of the field plan, the municipality launched a large-scale decoration project, including the installation of thousands of national flags on main roads and bridges, as well as the installation of decorative sculptures and green lighting reflecting the theme of the occasion. The targeted locations included key squares such as Globe Square, Al-Tahlia Square, Al-Qanadil Square, and Prince Abdulmajid Square, in addition to main streets like King Abdulaziz Road, Palestine Street, Al-Andalus Street, and the Central Corniche. Digital screens and billboards were also activated to broadcast congratulatory messages and images of the wise leadership, creating a grand and festive atmosphere that unifies the city's visual identity.
Heritage events in Prince Majid Park
Prince Majid Park will be a major destination for families and visitors on February 22, hosting a range of interactive events that evoke the lives of our ancestors. These events will include falconry and Arabian horse displays, traditional crafts demonstrations, and dedicated children's areas featuring face painting and henna designs. The activities aim to provide a comprehensive cultural experience that blends entertainment with historical knowledge.
The tourism and social impact of the event
These celebrations are expected to boost tourism and the economy in Jeddah, as the national events attract visitors from across the country, positively impacting the hospitality and retail sectors. These occasions also play a pivotal role in strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing national identity, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to improve quality of life and celebrate national heritage.
For his part, the Director General of Community Service at the Secretariat, Majid Al-Salmi, affirmed that the Secretariat has harnessed all its technical and human capabilities to bring out this occasion in a manner befitting the Kingdom’s status, noting that the diversity of events and their geographical distribution ensures broad participation from all segments of society to celebrate this precious day.
