From 1727 to 2026: Three centuries of continuity and unity of Saudi state

 

Saudi Founding Day: Diriyah as the site of the first Saudi capital

Saudi Arabia will mark the 299th anniversary of Founding Day on February 22, commemorating Imam Muhammad bin Saud’s establishment of the First Saudi State in Diriyah in 1139 AH (1727 CE). This national observance highlights nearly three centuries of continuity, unity, and strong governance, under the leadership of figures like Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Founding Day also underscores national pride and the deep connection between the people and their leadership. This bond has been crucial in maintaining state institutions, safeguarding security, and guiding the Kingdom’s development, from the early days of Diriyah to the modern political and economic landscape that we see today.

Founding Day 2026 Highlights
To honor the Kingdom’s deep-rooted heritage, a royal decree has designated February 22 as Founding Day, linking today’s celebrations to the birth of Saudi Arabia nearly three centuries ago. The day symbolizes a continuous journey of unity, achievement, and growth that began in Diriyah and stretches across modern-day Saudi Arabia, including ongoing projects aimed at preserving the Kingdom's heritage for future generations.

 

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Diriyah remains central to these celebrations as the site of the first Saudi capital and a symbol of national heritage. The At-Turaif district in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest mud-brick urban areas in the world. Neighboring districts such as Ghasiba, Samhan, Al-Bujairi, and Wadi Hanifah further showcase the region’s early urban development.

Imam Muhammad bin Saud’s founding of the First Saudi State in Diriyah in 1139 AH (1727 CE) marked a cultural and political turning point. He united the city’s districts, organized governance, and secured vital trade and pilgrimage routes. New neighborhoods like Al-Tarfiyah in Samhan were developed, while economic resources were managed to bolster the region's stability.

Under Imam Muhammad bin Saud’s leadership, Diriyah blossomed into a thriving center of learning, commerce, and social activity. Scholars, students, and merchants arrived from across the Arabian Peninsula, forming a diverse yet unified community. A school of calligraphy and manuscript production was established, training expert scribes and calligraphers. Women hosted educational sessions in their homes, and scholarly gatherings fostered a culture of intellectual exchange that emphasized the value of knowledge.

A Historical Foundation in Central Arabia
The stability that Imam Muhammad bin Saud instilled in Diriyah drew upon the region’s long history. The Bani Hanifah tribe, who settled in Wadi Hanifah around 430 CE, made Hajr Al-Yamamah their main hub. The area later faced periods of unrest, but a new phase began in 850 AH (1446 CE) when Prince Mani' ibn Rabi'ah Al-Muraydi founded Diriyah, strategically situated on trade routes that linked northern and southern Arabia. This location helped the town thrive, offering economic opportunities and attracting travelers from across the region.

Diriyah grew along the banks of Wadi Hanifah, with the Ghasiba district at its core. The fertile land of Faydat Al-Mulaybid helped sustain agriculture, driving population growth and economic development. The city's resources enabled the formation of a stable political entity capable of managing security, trade, and social affairs across a wider territory.

 

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Diriyah expanded steadily, with neighborhoods like Samhan and Al-Bujairi coming into prominence. A nearly 13-kilometer defensive wall surrounded the city, protecting its inhabitants. Salwa Palace and At-Turaif Mosque became two of Diriyah’s most notable landmarks, showcasing the architectural prowess of the time. The Salwa Palace, standing 22 to 23 meters high, was a prime example of mud-brick construction in the Arabian Peninsula, utilizing local materials like sun-dried bricks, stone, and palm trunks.

The architecture of Diriyah balanced security, privacy, and the harsh desert climate. Homes were typically two stories and served multiple functions, including housing, storage, and shelter for livestock. Some buildings had private wells and guest reception areas. Decorative elements were simple, with an emphasis on building orientation to maximize sunlight and airflow. Skilled craftsmen oversaw construction, reflecting the city’s well-organized social structure.

Education, Culture, and Social Life in Diriyah
Diriyah was a cultural and educational hub, particularly in the Al-Bujairi district, which hosted around 30 schools. Many institutions provided students with lodging and meals. Learning circles were common, and the Rawi, or storyteller, played a key role in preserving oral history. Traditional folk arts, including Al-Ardah and Al-Samri dances, were woven into daily life, highlighting the community's commitment to religious, literary, and historical knowledge.

Economic life in Diriyah was diverse, driven by bustling markets, agriculture, and crafts. Souq Al-Mawsim, located between At-Turaif and Al-Bujairi, was one of the busiest markets, offering goods such as fabrics, swords, jewelry, camels, and more. A designated market section catered specifically to women. A special area near Diriyah was reserved for lost camels, which, when unclaimed, were put to practical use, showing a sense of shared responsibility and communal care.

The city’s social system was reinforced through endowments like the "Sibalat Modhi," attributed to Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed. This two-story building provided free accommodation for merchants, visitors, and students, and included stables for trade caravans and a mosque. The facility demonstrated an integrated approach to hospitality, trade, and religious practice, creating a space for both spiritual and economic exchange.

 

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Diriyah’s openness and inclusivity, welcoming people from all corners of the Arabian Peninsula, played a significant role in forming a shared sense of identity. This tradition of unity, security, and effective governance has continued into the modern Saudi state. As the Kingdom celebrates the 299th Founding Day, Diriyah’s historical legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring principles of stability, social solidarity, and national pride that still shape the country today.

Source: One Arabia