360Imam Muhammad bin Saud founds the First Saudi State
In 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud took leadership in Diriyah and founded the First Saudi State, the beginning of the nation that became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah grew into a centre of stability, trade and culture. Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has celebrated this beginning every year on 22 February as Founding Day.
In 1727, corresponding to 1139 AH, Imam Muhammad bin Saud assumed leadership of Diriyah, a town on the banks of Wadi Hanifa, close to today's Riyadh. Under his rule, Diriyah became the capital of the First Saudi State.
The new state brought unity and security to much of central Arabia. Trade routes became safer, agriculture flourished in the valley, and Diriyah attracted scholars, merchants and craftsmen. The state lasted for nearly a century and laid the foundations for the later Saudi states.
Diriyah's historic At-Turaif district, with its palaces and houses of mud brick, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. Today it sits at the heart of a major cultural and tourism development.
On 27 January 2022, King Salman issued a royal order naming 22 February as Founding Day, a national holiday. It celebrates the Kingdom's deep roots, going back nearly three centuries, and is marked with traditional dress, heritage events and celebrations across the country.
- 1727
- Imam Muhammad bin Saud founds the First Saudi State
- 2010
- At-Turaif listed by UNESCO
- 27 January 2022
- Royal order establishes Founding Day
- 22 February 2022
- First Founding Day celebrated
Sources: Saudipedia · UNESCO · Saudi Press Agency.