National

Saudi Founding Day Countdown

A live countdown to the next Saudi Founding Day (22 February), marking the anniversary of the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727, calculated automatically every year.

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About this countdown

What the result means

Saudi Founding Day falls on 22 February of every Gregorian year, officially announced in 2022 to commemorate the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1139 AH (1727) in Diriyah. This day is distinct from National Day (23 September), which commemorates the unification of the modern Kingdom under King Abdulaziz in 1932; Founding Day traces the roots of the Saudi state back nearly two centuries earlier, through three successive Saudi states (the First, Second, and Third).

Recommendation

Check the official announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to know this year's exact official holiday length, especially if it connects to the weekend.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Founding Day and National Day?

Founding Day (22 February) commemorates the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727, while National Day (23 September) commemorates the unification of the modern Kingdom under King Abdulaziz in 1932 — a gap of nearly two centuries between the two occasions.

When did official Founding Day celebrations begin?

Founding Day was officially announced as a national occasion for the first time in February 2022, by decision of the Saudi leadership to highlight the deep historical continuity of the Saudi state.

Is Founding Day an official holiday?

Yes, Founding Day is a paid official holiday for public- and private-sector employees in Saudi Arabia.

Sources

هيئة التراث السعودية — يوم التأسيس