Saudi Founding Day
Saudi Founding Day is held on February 22 to mark the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. A royal decree made the date an official holiday, and government guidance describes it as a day for remembering the country’s history and cultural roots.[1][3]
Date and holiday status
A 2022 royal decree designates February 22 each year as Founding Day and an official holiday. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s labor regulations set a one-day Founding Day holiday for workers; the ministry has also described the holiday as applying to the public, private and nonprofit sectors.[1][2]
Saudi Central Bank guidance says that when Founding Day falls on a Friday, the holiday is on Thursday, and when it falls on a Saturday, it is on Sunday. The labor regulations also provide compensatory rest when a holiday overlaps an employee’s weekly rest day. Check the applicable employer or bank schedule for the arrangement that applies to you.[2][4]
What the day commemorates
The decree links Founding Day to the middle of 1139 AH, corresponding to February 1727, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud began his rule and founded the First Saudi State. It identifies Diriyah as the state’s capital and says the state lasted until 1818.[1]
Founding Day looks back to the origins of the Saudi state. Saudi Arabia’s National Day, observed on September 23, marks a different national occasion; the Saudi Central Bank lists both dates separately.[1][4]
How it is observed
Celebrations can include educational and cultural activities about the country’s history. The Ministry of Education has directed educational institutions to hold programs and activities explaining the day’s historical and cultural significance, and has encouraged schools to use the Saudi state’s history in planning age-appropriate activities.[3]
Those official guidelines support describing Founding Day as a time for historical learning and public commemoration.
What visitors and residents should expect
The decree establishes an official holiday, and labor regulations set a day off for covered workers. Check directly with a venue or service before making plans.
The Saudi Central Bank publishes Founding Day in its holiday guidance for financial institutions and gives a general rule for Friday and Saturday observance. Its page also notes that some bank branches and payment services may be designated to operate during holiday periods, so confirm branch hours before visiting.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Saudi Founding Day?
Do workers get the day off?
What is the difference between Founding Day and National Day?
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
The Saudi Central Bank publishes guidance for financial institutions and says some branches and payment services may operate during holiday periods.[4] Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.
Sources and references
Sources used for Founding Day in Saudi Arabia:
- يكون يوم (22 فبراير) من كل عام يوما لذكرى تأسيس الدولة السعودية باسم (يوم التأسيس)- Umm Al-Qura Newspaper
- اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام العمل وملحقاتها- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
- The Minister of Education directs the educational sectors to celebrate Founding Day,February 22,and illustrate its historical,civilizational,and cultural significance in fostering national values- Ministry of Education
- Holidays and Working Hours- Saudi Central Bank