People · Founder

Imam Muhammad bin Saud, founder of the first Saudi state

In 1727 he took power in a divided Diriyah, and built from it the first Saudi state.

The beginning

Imam Muhammad bin Saud was born in 1090 AH, 1679. In the middle of 1139 AH, February 1727, he began his rule in Diriyah at a time when the town was weak and divided and plague was spreading, and founded the first Saudi state.

What he built

He united the two halves of Diriyah under one rule, organised the economic affairs of the state and built the wall of Diriyah to defend it. Later he united most of Najd and secured the routes of pilgrimage and trade.

He died in 1179 AH, 1765, and was succeeded by his son, Imam Abdulaziz. The day his rule began is commemorated every year on Founding Day, 22 February.

Keep reading.

Ad-Dir'iyahAt-Turaif, the first Saudi capital Al-FawAl-Faw, the caravan city at the edge of the Empty Quarter Riyadh RegionRiyadh Region, the heart of the Kingdom Museum · RiyadhThe National Museum, the story of Arabia in eight halls Museum · RiyadhAl-Masmak, the mud fortress of Riyadh UshaigerUshaiger, a mud-brick village on the pilgrim road Riyadh CityRiyadh, an old oasis name for a capital of seven million DiriyahDiriyah, the mud-brick cradle of the Saudi state