King Salman on the founding day: Our state was founded on monotheism and justice
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - affirmed the firm foundations upon which the Saudi state was built since its inception, stressing that this blessed country was founded on the principles of monotheism and the achievement of justice, which resulted in a firm national unity, security and prosperity that the Kingdom enjoys today.
In a speech commemorating the Kingdom 's founding day , King Salman said: "On this glorious day, we remember the founding of our blessed nation, established by our forefathers upon the principles of monotheism, the pursuit of justice, and the unification of disparate tribes under one banner, thus achieving, by the grace of God Almighty, security and prosperity." These words encapsulate a journey of struggle and development spanning three centuries, and reaffirm the authentic identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The historical depth of the founding day
Every year on February 22nd, Saudis celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1139 AH (1727 CE), with its capital in Diriyah. This date was not merely the beginning of a political rule, but a major turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, as the region transitioned from a state of chaos, fragmentation, and disunity to one of unity and political and social stability.
As the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques pointed out, our forefathers succeeded in laying the foundations of a strong state whose legitimacy is derived from the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Prophet, and which makes justice the basis of governance. This solid foundation is what enabled the Saudi state to withstand historical challenges, to rise again and again, culminating in the Third Saudi State and the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman – may God have mercy on him.
Significance of the celebration and its national impact
Celebrating Founding Day carries profound significance that transcends mere historical remembrance; it strengthens national identity and connects current generations to their rich heritage. Recalling the sacrifices of imams, kings, forefathers, and ancestors reinforces values of loyalty and pride in Saudi identity. This day also highlights the strong bond between the leadership and the people, a bond that has been, and remains, the impregnable shield protecting the nation's achievements.
On both the regional and international levels, the celebration sends a clear message about the deep-rooted history and civilization of the Saudi state, confirming that it is not a state that is new to history, but rather an entity with deep roots that has contributed to shaping the history of the region and has maintained its stability and balance over the centuries.
Ongoing prosperity journey
The security and stability that the Kingdom enjoys today, along with its comprehensive development under Vision 2030 led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are a natural extension of the blessed foundation laid more than three centuries ago. The nation, established on the principles of unity and justice, continues its steady march toward the future, preserving its core values and principles while simultaneously aspiring to new horizons of progress and global leadership.
