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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Riyadh – Omar al-Badwi

Celebrations Sweep Saudi Arabia on Founding Day

Founding Day celebrations in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudis celebrated for the first time on Tuesday Founding Day, commemorating the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammad bin Saud in 1727.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman had issued a Royal Decree in January declaring February 22 as Founding Day and a national holiday that would be observed every year.

On the occasion, King Salman tweeted on Tuesday that the Saudi state has since its establishment consolidated the foundations of peace, stability and justice.

"Our celebration of this occasion is a celebration of the history of the state, unity of the people and perseverance against all challenges," he added.

Cables of congratulations from world leaders poured in from across the globe, as celebrations commemorating Saudi Arabia's history swept the Kingdom.

Cultural, artistic and popular events were held to mark Founding Day. In Riyadh, one such event narrated the history of the founding through stage plays and songs that were performed by 3,000 artists.

Founding Day celebrations will conclude on Thursday. More events are in store, including an opera performance on Wednesday and a fireworks and drone show in Riyadh on Thursday.

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