The Embassy of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh marked the Founding Day on Sunday (22nd February), commemorating Three Centuries of Statehood.
His Excellency Dr Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, welcomed dignitaries and ambassadors of various countries to celebrate the day in union at the Embassy premises.
In 1727, the first Saudi state was established by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in Diriyah, near present-day Riyadh. The day marked nearly 300 years of political, cultural, and social continuity that laid the foundation for the modern Saudi state.
The Foundation Day, unlike the National Day which celebrates the unification of the Kingdom in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud, focuses on the origins of Saudi governance, sovereignty, and identity. It also reflects the early formation of a centralised state based on stability, justice, and social cohesion in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Founding Day offers insight for non-Saudis on how Saudi Arabia’s historical roots shape its modern political system and national character. Under the leadership of Imam Muhammad bin Saud, Diriyah became a centre of governance and security, which set a precedent for statehood the continues to influence Saudi Arabia today.
In recent years, the Founding Day has gained greater prominence as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to highlight its history beyond oil and modern development and aligns with the Vision 2030 which emphasises the preservation of heritage, national pride, and global cultural engagement.
