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.

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.

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.