RIYADH — Born in 1876 in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz Al-Saud dedicated his life to unifying the disparate regions of the Arabian Peninsula, transforming them into a cohesive and sovereign state. His vision was anchored in the principles of Islam, with the banner of monotheism "There is no God but Allah; and Muhammad is His Messenger" guiding his efforts. The arduous journey of King Abdulaziz was fraught with challenges. He faced tribal conflicts, economic instability, and the remnants of a fractured society. Yet, through his unwavering resolve, strategic alliances, and diplomatic skills, he successfully unified the Kingdom in 1932, declaring it the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This historic proclamation marked not only the end of tribal warfare but also the beginning of a new era defined by unity and shared purpose. King Abdulaziz navigated numerous significant events throughout his life that shaped his remarkable character, particularly from the age of fifteen onward. Historians regard his departure from Riyadh in 1308 AH (1889 CE) with his father, Imam Abdulrahman, and some family members as one of the most challenging events in his early life. Their first stop was the oasis of Yabrin in Al-Ahsa, followed by a stay in Bahrain, before ultimately settling in Kuwait for several years. During this time, King Abdulaziz's heart remained tied to Riyadh. In Kuwait, he devised a plan to reclaim Riyadh, and on the fifth of Ramadan in 1319 AH (1939 CE), he set out on a daring expedition with his men. They traversed the harsh desert, enduring the sweltering heat while fasting of Ramadan. They arrived at a location known as Abu Jafan just before the Eid al-Fitr celebration. On the fourth of Shawwal in 1319 AH, King Abdulaziz and his men reached Dhil Al-Shaqib, approximately an hour and a half's walk from Riyadh. With strategic brilliance, he entered the city, swiftly restoring order after a fierce battle that would not last long. This moment marked the end of the past and the beginning of a new prosperous era in Najd, as he was hailed by the people of Riyadh as their Amir in 1320 AH (1902 CE) during Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque. This unification ushered in a period of political stability in Riyadh, laying the groundwork for a new phase of growth and cultural flourishing. King Abdulaziz worked tirelessly to restore security, confront the chaos that plagued the Arabian Peninsula, and, through these efforts, earned the love and respect of his people. His dedication to national development was evident when he issued a royal decree transforming the name of the country from the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd and its Dependencies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, 1932. This renaming symbolized not only the unification of the regions but also the establishment of a modern state. King Abdulaziz prioritized the care and expansion of the Holy Sites, enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and tourists. He initiated the establishment of schools, hospitals, and rural development projects, focusing on agricultural improvements and sustainable living conditions for nomadic communities. However, these ambitious plans required financial resources for their implementation. To support his vision for a prosperous future, oil exploration began in the fall of 1933 in various regions of the Kingdom. After four challenging years with little success, experts decided to investigate a water well in a location known as Ain Jat, where King Abdulaziz had stopped during his journey from Kuwait. The discovery of oil at a depth of 5,000 feet marked a turning point for the nation. The arrival of "black gold" transformed the arid desert into a bustling center filled with workers, engineers, and oil experts. In 1939, oil was pumped for the first time in a celebratory event attended by King Abdulaziz, heralding the beginning of ambitious state projects he had envisioned. King Abdulaziz approached foreign affairs with the same seriousness as domestic matters. He engaged diplomatically with countries around the world, maintaining the Kingdom's independence in decision-making and fostering relationships that respected its cultural and religious stature. This approach garnered him admiration among global leaders and made headlines in the Arab and international media. The legacy of King Abdulaziz continues to inspire future generations. His commitment to the welfare of his people and his vision for a unified nation resonate in the hearts of Saudis today. National Day is not only a celebration of the Kingdom's achievements but also a reminder of the values of resilience, determination, and faith that defined King Abdulaziz's leadership. As we commemorate this day, we honor his vision and the path he paved for the future of Saudi Arabia. In Muharram of 1373 AH (1953 CE), King Abdulaziz passed away in Taif after suffering from illness. On the morning of the second of Rabi' al-Awwal, November 9, 1953, his soul departed to the Almighty, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to influence the Kingdom.
