This Saudi Founding Day, Katch the Sense of National Pride and Celebrate Local Heritage

7th February, 2026 | Food and Beverage

by - Beth Laverty

Take the chance to reflect on the Kingdom’s enduring legacy during a day filled with heritage exhibitions, traditional food, and everything that defines Saudi Arabia’s distinct cultural DNA

 

Held annually on February 22nd, Saudi Founding Day is all about paying homage to Saudi Arabia’s rich history. The day was officially declared a national holiday by King Salman bin Abdulaziz’s royal decree in 2022. Several successful years later, the occasion is now a day when communities come together to honour the Kingdom’s leadership, people, and proud achievements.

 

Having called Saudi Arabia home for over a decade, Katch is well-versed in all the celebrations taking place across the nation. In addition to sharing with you all the must-visit cultural destinations, we’ll also be taking you back to the origins of Saudi Founding Day.

What’s the Difference Between Saudi Founding Day and National Day?

First things first, let’s get one thing straight: Saudi Founding Day and Saudi National Day are not the same. While they both celebrate similar themes of history and unity, the focus of each day is distinctly different. National Day looks to a defining moment in 1932, marking the unification of the modern Kingdom and celebrating how far the nation has come, often with citywide festivities that reflect today’s Saudi Arabia.

 

Founding Day, on the other hand, travels further back in time to 1727, two centuries before the modern Kingdom. The day marks the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Mohammad bin Saud and the resilience, values, and traditions that laid the foundations for everything that followed. For residents, it offers a more reflective and immersive look at the country’s cultural roots through heritage events, fireworks, and lively gatherings.

How to Celebrate Saudi Founding Day

Since this year’s Saudi Founding Day falls on a Sunday, residents can look forward to a long weekend filled with festivities. For those looking to dig deeper into the history behind the occasion, the annual holiday offers the perfect opportunity to visit Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of the first Saudi state. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, the famed ‘City of the Earth’ is home to a traditional Najdi mud-brick village, offering visitors a glimpse into 18th-century Saudi life.

 

Spend the day wandering through maze-like alleyways at your own pace in At-Turaif or enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the history of Diriyah and the legacy of Imam Mohammad bin Saud. The site also boasts four museums, including the Diriyah History Museum and the Arabian Horse Gallery, which showcases the significance of horses in Saudi heritage. With this year’s Saudi Founding Day falling during Ramadan, those visiting Diriyah can wrap up the day with an elevated iftar at Bujairi Terrace overlooking At-Turaif.

Another fitting way to mark Saudi Founding Day is with a visit to the Saudi National Museum in the Al Murabba neighbourhood. Ideal for families and history buffs alike, the museum features more than 3,700 artefacts and takes visitors right back to prehistoric times. Afterwards, stop by the nearby King Abdulaziz Palace or catch festive happenings across the city, including parades, concerts by Saudi musicians, and traditional Ardah performances.

 

Alternatively, celebrate the occasion by savouring traditional Saudi cuisine at NOMAS. Reimagining time-honoured flavours and customs through a contemporary fine dining lens, the restaurant offers an elevated culinary journey inspired by the rich heritage of Najd. Limited to just 35 seats, the venue serves indulgent dishes such as Hail Kebiba, Qursan layered with vegetables, Hashi Steak, Najdi Lamb Shoulder, and more.

 

No matter how you choose to celebrate Saudi Founding Day, it’s a chance to pause and reflect on the journey that has shaped the Kingdom today. Surround yourself with friends and family and take the chance to learn more about the place we call home.

 

For more related updates and to Katch us covering similar topics, watch this space!

 

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