MM Rahmatullah: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia annually marks Founding Day on February 22, a national occasion that commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in Diriyah, near present-day Riyadh. The day highlights nearly 300 years of political, cultural, and social continuity that laid the foundation for the modern Saudi state. Unlike Saudi National Day, which celebrates the unification of the Kingdom in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud, Founding Day focuses on the origins of Saudi governance, sovereignty, and identity. It reflects the early formation of a centralized state based on stability, justice, and social cohesion in the Arabian Peninsula.

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka host an Iftar Dinner, where Head of the missions were presented along with High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam Harish Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia Mohd Shuhada Othman, Ambassador of Embassy of the State of Palestine Yousef S.Y. Ramadan, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan in Bangladesh Mohammad Wasif were also present. Senior officials of the Saudi Embassy were also presented at the moment. His Excellency Dr Abdullah Jafar bin Abiyyah, Saudi Ambassador along with his colleagues receives the guests before Iftar.

Excellency Yasir Sheshah, Director of Political and Media affairs moderated the whole event.

For non-Saudis, Founding Day offers insight into how Saudi Arabia`s historical roots shape its modern political system and national character. The first Saudi state emerged at a time when the region was marked by fragmentation and instability. Under Imam Muhammad bin Saud`s leadership, Diriyah became a center of governance and security, setting a precedent for statehood that continues to influence Saudi Arabia today.
The occasion is observed across the Kingdom through cultural events, historical exhibitions, traditional attire, educational programs, and public celebrations. These activities aim to raise awareness of Saudi history, preserve national heritage, and strengthen a shared sense of identity among citizens, while also presenting Saudi culture to international audiences.
In recent years, Founding Day has gained greater prominence as part of Saudi Arabia`s broader efforts to highlight its history beyond oil and modern development. It aligns with the Kingdom`s cultural initiatives under Vision 2030, which emphasize heritage preservation, national pride, and global cultural engagement.
As Saudi Arabia continues to play an influential role regionally and internationally, Founding Day serves as a reminder that its contemporary transformation is deeply rooted in a long historical journey, one that began in 1727 and continues to shape the Kingdom`s future.