RIYADH — A new era of stability in the Arabian Peninsula began when the Banu Hanifa tribe migrated to settle along Wadi Hanifa under the leadership of Ubaid bin Thalabah in the year 430 AD. Choosing Hajr Al-Yamamah as their home, the city flourished, becoming the most significant urban center in Al-Yamamah region. During this period, King Thumama bin Athal Al-Hanafi ruled over the region, known for his encounter with Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Over the centuries, the Arabian Peninsula witnessed periods of decline, division, and instability. This changed in the year 1446 AD when Emir Mani' bin Rabi'a Al-Muraydi, the 12th great-grandfather of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, founded Diriyah. The establishment of Diriyah marked a turning point in the region's history, laying the foundation for the future unification of Arabia. The emergence of Diriyah represented a political transformation, embodying the concept of the city-state, which had long been a model for governance in the Arabian Peninsula. In the year 1727 AD, under the leadership of Imam Mohammed bin Saud, the First Saudi State was founded, with Diriyah as its capital. This state endured until 1818 AD, marking an era of unity, governance based on Islamic principles, economic prosperity, and political sovereignty. After the fall of the First Saudi State, Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud revived Saudi rule by establishing the Second Saudi State in 1824, which lasted until 1891. The modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was later founded by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1902, ushering in a new chapter of unity and progress. Recognizing this deep historical lineage, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have continued to build on the legacy of their ancestors. On January 27, 2022, a royal decree was issued declaring February 22 as Saudi Founding Day, an annual national day commemorating the establishment of the Saudi State. The Kingdom's strategic location and leadership have positioned it as a pillar of regional stability throughout history. Saudi Arabia has maintained strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with its neighbors, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council nations. The historical ties between Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies reflect shared heritage and deep-rooted relationships that have withstood the test of time. The selection of February 22, 1727, as the date of Saudi Founding Day is based on historical research analyzing key events before and after Imam Mohammed bin Saud's rule in Diriyah. His leadership saw the gradual establishment of the Saudi State, the unification of Diriyah's two districts, and the fortification of its capital. He strengthened internal governance, bolstered economic resources, and initiated urban expansion by relocating the center of power from Ghusaybah to the newly built Turaif neighborhood. The First Saudi State stood on the principles of Islamic governance, wise leadership, economic development, and regional stability. Since its inception, the Saudi State has prioritized serving the Two Holy Mosques and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims—values that remain at the heart of the Kingdom's mission today under King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Saudi rulers have historically played a vital role in promoting peace, security, and economic development. During the First Saudi State, stability was restored in central Arabia, securing trade routes and fostering economic prosperity. The political independence of the state, coupled with its strategic alliances, ensured that it remained immune to foreign domination, supporting neighboring towns and emirates in maintaining security. Diriyah, often referred to as the mirror of Saudi history, was at the heart of these transformations. It became a cultural and economic hub, benefiting from its prime location along major trade routes that connected the northern and southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This economic activity laid the foundation for future growth and prosperity. Under the leadership of Imam Mohammed bin Saud and subsequent Saudi rulers, Diriyah became a center of knowledge and scholarship, attracting scholars from across the region. The establishment of Al-Turaif District, one of the largest mudbrick cities in the world, was a hallmark of this era. Today, Al-Turaif is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as a testament to Saudi Arabia's deep-rooted history. Following the fall of the First Saudi State in 1818, Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud reclaimed Riyadh in 1824, reviving Saudi rule. With widespread support, he successfully reunified large parts of the Arabian Peninsula and restored stability. His governance was marked by security, education, and judicial reforms, ensuring the region thrived under Saudi leadership. The Second Saudi State remained the dominant force in Arabia until 1891. After a decade of political uncertainty, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud reclaimed Riyadh on January 15, 1902, setting in motion a historic unification campaign. Over the next thirty years, he systematically consolidated the Arabian Peninsula, culminating in the official declaration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 23, 1932. The legacy of King Abdulaziz continued through his sons, who carried forward his vision for a strong, unified, and prosperous Saudi Arabia. Today, under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom is undergoing a new era of transformation, innovation, and global leadership, guided by Vision 2030. For over three centuries, Saudi Arabia has upheld a governance model based on Islamic principles, visionary leadership, and sustainable development. As the Kingdom moves forward, the foundations laid by its founders continue to guide its future, ensuring prosperity for generations to come.
