Saudi Founding day is almost here. There’s even more excitement because it’s the first public holiday in the Kingdom for 2023, and days off have been announced.
Mark your calendars for Saudi Arabia Founding Day on Wednesday February 22.
Before the celebrations can properly start, let’s recap what Saudi Founding Day is as it’s a relatively new holiday being celebrated in the Kingdom. Here’s everything you need to know about Founding Day.
What is Saudi Founding Day?
Founding Day is one of the two official days that celebrate the Kingdom’s rich history. (The other holiday is National Day, which happens in September.)
In 2022, February 22 was formally declared a holiday in all sectors for Founding Day, hence why it’s a relatively new celebration.
His Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced the holiday to mark the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 in Diriyah.
Founding Day date and days off
Saudi Founding Day always falls on February 22, so for 2023 celebrations will start on Wednesday February 22.
Founding Day (February 22) is a day off for all sectors public and private, but be sure to watch for any related days off each year.
Saudi Arabia Founding Day celebrations
The first Saudi Founding Day was marked with fireworks, drone shows, concerts, themed menus and food deals. We’re looking forward to some big celebrations in 2023, too.
You can even explore where the Al Saud family lived in Turaif now as part of the opening of the Diriyah Entry Pass.
Founding Day versus National Day
Founding Day celebrates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727, while National Day celebrates the unification of the Kingdom in 1932. National Day always falls on September 23.
Both holidays have similar celebrations of Saudi’s heritage and history with shows, music and food.
More public holidays in 2023
Following Saudi National Day, the next holidays will be Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Eid is expected to start the end of April.
You can plan ahead with all the 2023 public holidays in Saudi. Time Out will be keeping you updated with all of the confirmed dates and days off.
Wed Feb 22. mofa.gov.sa.
Ready for more public holidays in Saudi? Of course you are.
