Local News
Human Resources sets the date for the 2026 Founding Day holiday for both sectors
The Ministry of Human Resources announced that Sunday, February 22, 2026, is an official holiday for Founding Day, which includes the public, private and non-profit sectors, in celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the Saudi state.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced that next Sunday, February 22, 2026, will be an official holiday for all state employees, on the occasion of celebrating the glorious "Founding Day" anniversary.
The ministry explained in its statement that this holiday includes all employees in the public government sector, as well as those working in private sector establishments, in addition to employees of the non-profit sector, in implementation of the generous royal orders that set this date as an annual date to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the first Saudi state.
The historical depth of the founding day
The celebration of Founding Day commemorates the Saudi state's more than three-century-long existence, symbolizing the Kingdom's deep historical and cultural roots. This anniversary dates back to 1727 CE (1139 AH), when Imam Muhammad bin Saud assumed power in Diriyah, thus establishing the first Saudi state, which laid the foundations for security, stability, and unity in the Arabian Peninsula after centuries of fragmentation and disunity.
The difference between Founding Day and National Day
It is important to distinguish between Founding Day and National Day; Founding Day (February 22) celebrates the beginning of the reign of Imam Muhammad bin Saud and the establishment of the first state, while National Day (September 23) celebrates the anniversary of the unification of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud - may God have mercy on him - in 1932 AD. Both represent pivotal milestones in the history and development of the Arabian Peninsula.
Manifestations of celebration and national importance
This holiday holds immense importance as it strengthens national identity and connects current generations to their rich historical roots. The Kingdom typically witnesses extensive cultural and heritage events on this day, with citizens wearing traditional clothing that reflects the diversity of the Kingdom's regions, and artistic performances and traditional markets that recreate the lives of their ancestors during that era.
The approval of this holiday for all sectors (public, private and non-profit) confirms the inclusiveness of the occasion for all segments of society, and is an opportunity to strengthen national cohesion and draw inspiration from the stories of struggle and success written by imams, kings and citizens throughout history to build this proud nation.
Local News
Saudi leadership exchanges Ramadan greetings with leaders of Islamic countries
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the month of Ramadan with the leaders of Islamic countries, praying to God that it will return with goodness, blessings and security for the Islamic nation.
Within the framework of the continuous and deep communication that unites the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its brothers in the Islamic world, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent and received congratulatory messages with the kings, presidents and princes of Islamic countries on the occasion of the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan this year.
These messages conveyed the sincerest fraternal sentiments and heartfelt prayers, prompting the wise leadership to send reply messages of thanks to the leaders of Islamic countries, expressing their appreciation for the kind wishes and sincere prayers they offered during this blessed month. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince prayed to Almighty God that this auspicious occasion would return to the entire Muslim Ummah with goodness, prosperity, and blessings, and that He would perpetuate the blessings of security and stability for all.
The depth of diplomatic and fraternal relations
This annual exchange of greetings underscores the Saudi leadership's commitment to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and affection with the leaders and peoples of the Islamic world. As the Qibla of Muslims and the birthplace of revelation, the Kingdom places great importance on fostering unity and solidarity, particularly during significant religious occasions such as the holy month of Ramadan, which presents a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the values of tolerance and compassion that are central to Islam.
The Kingdom is the heart of the Islamic world
These telegrams and exchanged messages are of particular importance given the leading role that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays on both the regional and international stages. Serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims and other worshippers, during the holy month is an honor that the leadership cherishes, and this is reflected in the messages of friendship and respect exchanged with world leaders, who consistently appreciate the Kingdom's significant efforts in serving Islam and Muslims.
Calls for security and prosperity
In closing the messages, the wise leadership prayed to God Almighty to accept from everyone their fasting, prayers and good deeds, and to make this month a month of goodness, glory and empowerment for the Islamic nation, and to fulfill the aspirations of the Islamic peoples towards more progress and prosperity, overcoming all the challenges facing the region and the world, so that everyone may enjoy peace and prosperity.
Local News
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques arrives in Jeddah from Riyadh
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz arrived in Jeddah today from Riyadh. Learn about the details of the reception and the list of accompanying princes and officials.
With God's protection and care, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, arrived today in Jeddah, coming from the capital, Riyadh. This step comes within the framework of the wise leadership's keenness to travel between the regions of the Kingdom to follow up on the affairs of citizens and directly supervise the progress of work in various sectors.
Reception ceremony at King Abdulaziz Airport
At the forefront of those receiving the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah was His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, where an official reception ceremony was held for His Majesty befitting the status of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, reflecting the warmth of the reception and welcome for his auspicious arrival to the Makkah Region.
The delegation accompanying the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
Accompanying the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - may God support him - was a high-level delegation of Their Royal Highnesses the Princes, namely: His Highness Prince Khalid bin Fahd bin Khalid, His Royal Highness Prince Mansour bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, His Highness Prince Khalid bin Saad bin Fahd, His Royal Highness Prince Sattam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Saud bin Mohammed, His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Baha Region, and His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
The accompanying delegation also included a number of senior state officials, namely: His Excellency the Chief of the Royal Court, Mr. Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Issa, His Excellency the Chief of Royal Protocol, Mr. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Abbad, His Excellency the Deputy Private Secretary to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Mr. Tamim bin Abdulaziz Al-Salem, His Excellency the Chief of Special Affairs to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Faisal, His Excellency the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Royal Clinics, Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al-Qahtani, and His Excellency the Chief of the Royal Guard, Lieutenant General Suhail bin Saqr Al-Mutairi.
Leaving Riyadh and the farewell ceremony
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques had left Riyadh earlier in the day, and he was seen off at King Khalid International Airport by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region.
The administrative and strategic importance of Jeddah
It is worth noting that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' presence in Jeddah carries significant implications on both the local and administrative levels. Jeddah is the main gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a vital center in western Saudi Arabia. The Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah often serves as the headquarters for managing state affairs, receiving diplomatic delegations, and holding cabinet meetings during the leadership's visits. This reinforces the city's status as a summer administrative capital and a political and economic powerhouse, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the Makkah region.
May God protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques during his travels and stays, and may He perpetuate the blessings of security, safety and stability upon the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under its wise leadership.
Local News
The Royal Court: The crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 has been sighted, and tomorrow, Wednesday, is its first day
The Royal Court announced the sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 AH in Saudi Arabia. The Supreme Court confirmed that Wednesday is the first day of the blessed month after its observation in the Kingdom's observatories.
The Saudi Royal Court issued an important statement this evening, announcing that the Supreme Court has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH, after receiving testimonies from several moon-sighting committees located at various observatories throughout the Kingdom. Based on this confirmed sighting, it has been decided that tomorrow, Wednesday, will be the first day of Ramadan and the first day of fasting for Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The moon-sighting committees commenced their duties and took up their strategic positions across the Kingdom on Tuesday evening, utilizing the latest astronomical technologies and telescopes, in addition to naked-eye observation. This was done with the participation of a select group of astronomers, judges, and a number of renowned moon-sighters known for their precision. The observation process was conducted according to strict and established procedures to ensure the accurate verification of the new moon's birth and its legal confirmation, in response to the Supreme Court's call for all Muslims to observe the crescent.
This announcement comes after the Supreme Court previously called upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Ramadan on the evening of Tuesday, the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to February 17, 2026. In its statement, the Court emphasized the importance of reporting any sighting of the crescent to the nearest court or center so that their testimony could be recorded and documented. This is the approach the Kingdom follows annually to determine the legal timings for religious observances.
The holy month of Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, as it is the fourth pillar of Islam. The sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia carries particular regional and international significance, given its status as the home of the Two Holy Mosques and the direction of prayer (Qibla) for Muslims. Many Islamic countries and Muslim communities around the world typically follow the Kingdom's announcement regarding the start of the holy month, thus unifying religious observances and honoring this spiritual season.
With the sighting of the new moon confirmed, the Kingdom's cities and provinces are preparing to welcome the holy month with an atmosphere of profound faith and spirituality. All eyes are on the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, which will witness the arrival of millions of pilgrims and visitors performing Umrah and Taraweeh prayers. The relevant authorities have completed all preparations to serve the guests of God and provide them with a suitable environment to perform their religious duties with ease and comfort during this month in which the gates of Paradise are opened.
On this blessed occasion, citizens and residents extend their congratulations to the wise leadership and to the entire Islamic nation, asking God Almighty to make it a month of goodness and blessings, and to help everyone to fast and pray during it, and to bring it back to the Islamic nation with prosperity and joy.
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