The first generation of Rajab: From the suffering of queues to the luxury of digital services
first of Rajab represents more than just an annual date in the Saudi national memory; it is a symbol for an entire generation of fathers and grandfathers whose birth dates were administratively unified on this day, to be living witnesses to a great development epic that moved the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from an era of arduous paper transactions to an era of global digital leadership.
Symbolism of history and radical transformation
In celebrating this date, considered a collective birthday for a large segment of Saudis, comparisons emerge between a past characterized by simplicity and hardship, and a present brimming with technological advancements. This date, which was once a procedural solution for documenting identity in the absence of accurate birth certificates, has now become a platform for recalling stories of struggle and success.
Speaking to Al-Youm newspaper, several citizens affirmed that the first of Rajab is a badge of honor for the self-made generation that contributed to building the nation's foundations. Citizen Abdullah Balil that this date unites approximately 95% of the previous generation, describing it as "the sweetest of dates." Balil reminisced about obtaining passports in the past, a process that required standing in long queues from the early hours of dawn, compared to today when documents are delivered to one's doorstep thanks to advanced logistics and technological connectivity.
From “stenciling” to smart education
The transformation wasn't limited to administrative services; it also encompassed the education sector, which witnessed significant leaps forward. Citizen Mohammed Al-Arayedh how students used to manually copy curricula multiple times and how exams were prepared using cumbersome manual stenciling machines. He contrasts this with the current educational reality, which relies on digital platforms and smart devices, saving time and effort and improving the quality of educational outcomes. He urges young people to invest these blessings in serving their country.
The end of the "relationship file" era
Ali Al Saeed explained that the first of Rajab represents the wisdom of the community, pointing to the vast differences in government procedures. Whereas citizens used to spend an entire day completing a single transaction, applications like “Absher” and “Tawakkalna” now accomplish tasks in mere seconds. Citizen Ahmed Al Masoud that the current generation may not grasp the concept of carrying around “green file folders” and moving them between offices under the sun—a picture that has completely vanished in light of the digital infrastructure established by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 .
An ambitious vision and a founding generation
In the context of a social analysis of this transformation, Dr. Awad Al-Ula the first of Rajab as a badge of honor for a generation that built the nation through hard work and unwavering patience. He emphasizes that that challenging period laid the solid foundation for the prosperity the Kingdom enjoys today. Citizens Saleh Al-Ghamdi and Abdulaziz Al-Khudair , praising the blessing of digital transformation and urging young people to appreciate the value of these advancements and not let technological entertainment distract them from self-improvement. They affirm that what has been achieved is the result of an ambitious leadership's vision and tireless work to serve humanity in this land.
