Saudi Founding Day 2023: 4-day holiday celebration

Founding Day was declared as a national holiday in Saudi Arabia last year, after the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman issued a royal decree to mark the occasion.

Founding Day is celebrated in the kingdom to commemorate the country’s founding in 1727 by Imam Mohammed Bin Saud, and the deep historical roots of Saudi Arabia.

Founding Day holiday in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom observes February 22, corresponding to Shaban 2, 1444 Hijri, as its Founding Day.

Public sector employees will be enjoying two days holiday this year with Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23 both being declared a holiday. With the following Friday and Saturday being the official weekend in the Kingdom it means workers will have a four-day weekend.

February 22 is a public holiday for private sector workers and it is up to individual organisations if they mark the Thursday 23 break as well and match public sector workers.  

Several cultural, artistic, and popular events will take place in the Kingdom’s cities, showcasing creativity, love, and loyalty, reflecting the depth of the nation’s history, reported state news agency SPA.

These events will reflect various conditions of the state in good and bad times, where it managed to stand against hardships and preserve its indigenous Arab identity during the first and second Saudi state until the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.