Jan 30, 2025
Saudi Founding Day is one of the prominent national occasions celebrated annually by the Saudi people on February 22. This day marks the beginning of a new historical era in 1727 AD, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud laid the foundations for the establishment of the First Saudi State. It serves as an opportunity to renew pride in national identity and highlight the rich cultural heritage.
Saudi Founding Day is a national occasion commemorating the establishment of the First Saudi State, which began in the city of Diriyah as the nucleus for the unification of the Arabian Peninsula. In 2022, King Salman bin Abdulaziz declared February 22 as an official annual day to commemorate the founding. This day is recognized as an official holiday across all sectors.
In 1139 AH (1727 AD), the Arabian Peninsula witnessed a significant historical event when Imam Muhammad bin Saud established the foundations of the First Saudi State. Since then, this state has become a model of unity, stability, and development. Today, February 22 serves as a reminder of the achievements of ancestors and an inspiration for national values in building the future.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnesses numerous celebrations to honor this great day, including:
The celebrations are characterized by a distinctive cultural flair that reflects the depth of Saudi heritage. Men wear traditional attire such as the Saudi thobe, shemagh, and agal, while women adorn themselves with embroidered abayas and modest traditional clothing that showcase the diversity of Saudi regions. Henna is one of the most prominent traditional adornments for women during this occasion.
Folk dances, such as the Saudi Ardah, are an integral part of the celebrations. This traditional dance, historically performed to welcome returning warriors, has become a symbol of national unity and pride in belonging to the Kingdom.
Celebratory tables are adorned with traditional dishes like Jareesh, a national Saudi dish made from crushed wheat and yogurt. Saudi coffee, with its aromatic blend of cardamom and saffron, takes center stage as the perfect companion to traditional sweets.
In 1446 AH, Saudi Founding Day falls on Saturday, 23 Sha'ban 1446 AH, corresponding to February 22, 2025. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and its ongoing achievements over the decades.
As of the writing of this article, there are 22 days left until Saudi Founding Day 2025, making it an ideal time to plan celebrations for this cherished national occasion.
Several news outlets and media platforms have reported on the extension of the Saudi Founding Day holiday in 2025. This extension allows citizens and residents to fully participate in the events and celebrations held on this important national occasion.
According to reports, the Saudi Founding Day holiday in 2025 will be longer than usual, as the day falls on a Saturday, which is already an official holiday. Therefore, the official holiday will span three days, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This means the holiday will run from Friday, February 21, 2025, to Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The extension aims to enable everyone to participate in the events and celebrations held across the Kingdom. These include:
The return to work will be on Monday, February 24, 2025. This extended holiday allows citizens and residents to fully enjoy the national occasion and participate in all planned events.
What is Saudi Founding Day?
Saudi Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727.
When is Saudi Founding Day celebrated?
Saudi Founding Day is celebrated on February 22 annually.
What is the difference between Founding Day and National Day?
Founding Day marks the establishment of the First Saudi State, while National Day celebrates the unification of Saudi Arabia under King Abdulaziz.
How long is the Saudi Founding Day holiday in 2025?
The Saudi Founding Day holiday in 2025 will last three days, from Friday, February 21, to Sunday, February 23.
Why was the Saudi Founding Day holiday extended?
The holiday was extended because Founding Day falls on a Saturday, an official holiday, allowing for a three-day break.
When is the return to work after the Saudi Founding Day holiday?
The return to work will be on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Saudi Founding Day is a national occasion rich in history and culture, reflecting the pride of the Saudi people in their heritage and achievements. By celebrating this day, the values of unity and national belonging are strengthened.
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March 25, 2025
In a move reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, Saudi officials announced the relocation of a global project in the futuristic city of Neom due to the discovery of a rare plant species found exclusively in that location. This decision came under the direct order of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the priority of environmental conservation in Saudi Vision 2030.
During the planning of a luxury resort in one of Neom’s valleys, experts discovered a rare plant species that grows only in that mountainous area and had never been documented elsewhere in the world. This placed the team in a difficult position: proceed with the massive investment project or protect this unique plant.
As recounted by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Minister of Sports, on the program "Hikayat Waad" on MBC, the Crown Prince immediately ordered the project to be relocated and the original site to be turned into a natural reserve to protect the plant. The species was officially registered under the name "Neom", honoring the project that sacrificed financial gains for environmental preservation.
Neom adopts a unique environmental philosophy, aiming to dedicate 95% of its land as protected natural reserves, making it a model for sustainable development that balances urbanization and nature conservation. Key initiatives include:
The Neom plant story is not the only example of Saudi leadership’s environmental dedication. Bandar Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, shared another instance where the Crown Prince rejected a mining investment in a protected area, humorously remarking:
"Did you search the entire country and only find this spot?"
This led to a revision of Saudi Arabia’s investment map to exclude protected zones.
The story of the rare Neom plant is not just an isolated event but a powerful statement from Saudi Arabia that true development does not come at nature’s expense. While other nations prioritize short-term economic gains over the environment, the Kingdom sets a global example in combining economic growth with ecological sustainability, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in protecting the planet for future generations.
March 23, 2025
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous religious and social occasion that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Families and friends come together to celebrate, and Saudi Arabia stands out as a prime tourist destination during this time. With its diverse attractions ranging from historical sites to natural wonders and entertainment hubs, the Kingdom offers an unforgettable holiday experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best tourist destinations and activities to enjoy during Eid al-Fitr 2025.
As the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a city that blends modernity with tradition. It boasts a variety of tourist attractions, including:
A breathtaking natural wonder offering stunning views from the top of the Tuwaiq Escarpment.
A historic castle dating back to the 19th century, symbolizing the unification of the Kingdom.
A skyscraper featuring a luxury shopping mall, fine dining restaurants, and panoramic city views.
A must-visit for history enthusiasts, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage from ancient times to the modern era.
Known for its stunning beaches and rich culture, Jeddah is a perfect destination for Eid celebrations:
A mosque that appears to float on the Red Sea, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
A family-friendly waterfront with restaurants, cafes, and recreational activities.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring traditional houses adorned with intricate wooden balconies (Mashrabiyas).
AlUla is one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic destinations, combining ancient history with breathtaking landscapes:
An archaeological site with Nabatean tombs carved into rock formations.
A tranquil retreat surrounded by palm trees and natural springs.
A unique rock formation resembling an elephant, perfect for photography.
Abha’s mild climate and stunning scenery make it a favorite for nature lovers:
The highest peak in Saudi Arabia, offering mesmerizing views of mist-covered mountains.
A heritage village showcasing traditional architecture and local crafts.
A family-friendly park with recreational activities and scenic walking trails.
Located off the coast of Jazan, the Farasan Islands are a haven for beach and marine enthusiasts:
Al-Ahsa is renowned for its lush palm groves and rich history, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
The largest palm oasis in the world, home to over 2.5 million palm trees.
Natural caves formed by erosion, perfect for exploration.
A traditional market offering local products and handicrafts.
Tabuk, in the north of Saudi Arabia, is known for its historical and natural attractions:
Dammam is famous for its beaches and modern shopping centers:
An artificial island with a zoo, amusement park, and family-friendly activities.
A waterfront area ideal for walking, cycling, and picnics.
One of the largest shopping centers in the region, featuring a variety of stores and restaurants.
Taif’s moderate climate and natural beauty make it a popular destination for families:
Umluj is known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for beach lovers:
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia is a comprehensive tourist destination offering diverse experiences for all tastes. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, exploring ancient history, or embarking on natural adventures, Eid al-Fitr 2025 is the perfect opportunity to discover the treasures of the Kingdom. Plan your trip now and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
March 20, 2025
In a new step reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced the launch of five major investment opportunities in the agricultural sector in the Al-Baha region. These opportunities, announced through the "Furas" platform, aim to enhance self-sufficiency in agricultural products, increase local production, support food security, and attract both local and international investments.
The opportunities include the establishment of an integrated agricultural city dedicated to cultivating prickly pear (cactus fruit), as well as four agricultural cities specialized in growing coffee (Arabica) trees. According to the ministry's statement, over 2.2 million square meters will be allocated for the prickly pear agricultural city, while the coffee cultivation cities will span more than 2.3 million square meters in the Baljurashi governorate of the Al-Baha region, which boasts an ideal climate and environment for these high-quality crops.
Through these projects, the Kingdom aims to achieve several strategic goals, including:
This initiative aligns with the Kingdom's efforts to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil, with the agricultural sector being one of the key pillars for achieving this goal. These projects also reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable economic development and strengthening its position as a regional hub for agricultural investment.
These investment opportunities represent a significant step towards enhancing the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia, contributing to food security and supporting the national economy. Through these projects, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to achieving Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy and creating promising investment opportunities. This move not only supports the agricultural sector but also reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading investment destination in the region.