Culture Ministry hosts Foundation Day celebrations across Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture is set to host cultural and historical celebrations across the country from Feb. 21 to 26 in honor of Founding Day, observed annually on Feb. 22, to mark the state’s foundation by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in 1727 CE.
Spanning various cities across the Kingdom, the ministry’s curated events will present a diverse cultural feast, with “Founding Nights” billed as a main attraction.
Scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22 at the Abu Bakr Salem Stage in Boulevard City, Riyadh, this event promises a “nostalgic voyage through time with an evening of poetry and music.”
Attendees will be treated to poetry and melodies performed by esteemed poets and artists, bringing to light important facets of Saudi heritage.
Another event, “Symphony of the Beginning,” will take place on Feb. 25 and 26 at the same venue. It features an orchestral performance that melds traditional Saudi instruments with contemporary ones, and tells the tale of the nation’s founding through music. Prominent Saudi poets, composers, and the National Music Band will be performing.
The “Path of History” experience at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh invites visitors to make their way through “an engaging display” of 19 scenes that chronicle the Saudi state’s evolution from its inception in 1727 to the present day. It consists of three distinct zones — The Gathering, The Journey, and The Celebration — each of which is designed to immerse visitors in the Kingdom’s history through cultural performances, art displays, and interactive installations.
Meanwhile, the “Founding Village,” which will be held in 14 locations from Feb. 22 to 24, aims to “resurrect the Kingdom’s historical narratives through immersive experiences that spotlight the country’s cultural legacy.”
This event will take visitors on a journey through 300 years of history, and includes traditional crafts, cultural stories, interactive children’s areas, digital innovations, family entertainment, authentic Saudi culinary delights and other cultural activities across various domains, including heritage and oral traditions.
These celebratory events underscore the Ministry of Culture’s dedication to commemorating a pivotal moment in Saudi history — the establishment of the Saudi state, and celebrating “the deep-rooted pride in national heritage, the solid bond between the citizenry and leadership, and the enduring legacy of progress and prosperity,” according to a ministry statement.
For tickets, visit: https://dc.moc.gov.sa/home/ar/founding-day/