Saudi Founding Day

Founding Day on 22 February marks the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727, and is a public holiday.

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  • UAE and Gulf
  • International (not marked)
OrganiserGovernment of Saudi Arabia
ListingAdded by us from official sources
Last checked21 October 2026
First held2022

About the day

Founding Day is held in Saudi Arabia every year on 22 February. It marks the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727.

It was set by a royal order from King Salman on 27 January 2022 and is a public holiday. Its slogan is "The Day We Started".

Founding Day is separate from Saudi National Day on 23 September, which marks the unification of the kingdom in 1932.

Dates for the next three years

YearDateWhereStatus
2027Monday 22 February 2027UAE and GulfSame date every year
2028Tuesday 22 February 2028UAE and GulfSame date every year
2029Thursday 22 February 2029UAE and GulfSame date every year

Sectors this day suits

Types of business that could link their activity to this day.

  • Heritage and museums
  • Fashion and traditional dress
  • Coffee and dates
  • Retail and malls
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Travel and hotels
  • Schools and education
  • Events and entertainment

Where this information comes from

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