What it marks
In February 1727, in the middle of the year 1139 AH, Imam Muhammad bin Saud began his rule and founded the first Saudi state, with Diriyah as its capital. That state lasted until 1233 AH, 1818.
Its capital, the at-Turaif district in Diriyah, is today a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How it became a national day
By Royal Order No. A/371 dated 24/6/1443 AH, announced on 27 January 2022, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud made 22 February of every year a day to commemorate the founding of the Saudi state, under the name Founding Day, and an official holiday.