Your complete guide to celebrating Saudi Founding Day 2024

From celebrations to poetry readings and exploring local souqs, the Kingdom comes alive over Founding Day weekend

Cars honk, children wander carrying flags and wearing traditional dress, you can hear the laughter of the crowds roaming the streets on foot or in their cars, and watch as the city is draped in green and white. These are the things you can expect to experience this weekend, Founding Day is here.

Celebrated each year on February 22, Founding Day was inaugurated by Royal Decree by His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2022, making Founding Day the nation’s newest public holiday. It is one of just three non-religious national holidays observed in the Kingdom, Founding Day is a national day off for both the public and private sectors.

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On Founding Day weekend, the nation comes alive, and comes together to celebrate. From the decoration of and celebrations in the streets of the Kingdom’s cities to the cafes and restaurants that are crowded with families and friends who decided to celebrate the holiday together.

Founding Day Events

Falling on Thursday February 22, this year Founding Day will see the nation have an extra-long, three day weekend filled with celebrations. There will be firework displays taking place across the nation, alongside the raising of the Saudi flag in almost all locations.

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Boulevard City Celebrations

Visitors can expect plenty of celebrations at Riyadh’s Boulevard City including music, street performances and even fire works. Via social media platform, X (previously Twitter) Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh encouraged visitors to wear national dress and Founding Day garments when visiting Boulevard City on February 22.

Location: Boulevard City, Riyadh
Dates: February 22

Founding Nights: Poetry and Storytelling

Alongside a number of poetry readings, an exhibition will also take place focussing on Saudi Arabia’s literary legacy, telling stories and fables of the history of the nation.

Location: Abu Bakr Salem Theatre, Riyadh
Dates: February 21 & 22
From SAR100

Founding Village

Step back in time and visit Founding Village, explore beautiful displays of traditional crafts, allow the kids to dive into a number of interactive activities that celebrate the Kingdom’s history and taste the plentiful flavours of traditional Saudi cuisine. With a number of locations all over the Kingdom, this free, fun and family-friendly event will be free to visit and offer plenty of activities for both adults and children.

Location: Abha, Al Ahsa, Al Baha, Al-Qasim, Arar, Dammam, Hail, Jeddah, Jizan, Madinah, Najran, Sakaka, Tabuk and Taif
Dates: February 22 – 24
Free

The Symphony of Beginnings: Melodies of Love for Homeland

A poetry presentation and performance featuring leading contemporary Saudi poets, their words will be complemented by sounds of the National Orchestra.

Location: Abu Bakr Salem Theatre, Riyadh
Dates: February 25 & 26
From SAR175

Visit Local Markets

Take the Founding Day holiday as an opportunity to discover shopping at the local markets. Set to be bustling with visitors, these souks offer a glimpse at the tradition and heritage of shopping in the Kingdom.

Jeddah Local Markets

Souq AlMarjan, Souq Al Bawadi, Souq Al Badw, Soul Alshat’a, Souq Al-Ula and Gabel Street Souq.

Riyadh Local Markets

Al-Maigliah Market Center, Al Oudah Market, Al Suwailim Market, AlDeira Market, Taibah Markets, Souq Al Owais, Batha Market, and Souq al Zal.

Enjoy Traditional and Contemporary Art

Explore the remarkable creations and curated works by Saudis and artists from further afield. It’s an ideal opportunity to celebrate and uplift Saudi talents, or see a new side to the city you love, while immersing yourself in something fresh and exciting.

Desert X
Dates: February 9 – March 23
Location: Various sites in AlUla
Read more here

Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale
Dates: February 20 – May 24
Location: JAX District, Riyadh
Discover more right here

Imagine Picasso
Dates: February 3 – March 3
Location: Laysen Valley, Riyadh
Dive right in here

In The Night
Dates: February 15 – May 20
Location: Saudi Arabian Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA), JAX District, Riyadh

Take Over Jeddah
Dates: Until the end of March
Location: Al Balad, Jeddah
Sneak peak right here

Tuwaiq Sculpture Exhibition
Dates: February 12 – February 24
Location: Roshn Front, Airport Road, Riyadh

Discover More Events This Weekend

Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Dates: February 22
Location: Maraya, AlUla
Details right here

Saudi Gold Cup
Dates: February 23 & 24
Location: King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh
All the information you need

The Yanbu Flower and Gardens Festival
Dates: February 15 – March 9
Location: Celebration Park, Yanbu Industrial City
More on this blooming marvellous event

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