• People gather during the first Founding Day celebrations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All photos by Reuters
    People gather during the first Founding Day celebrations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All photos by Reuters
  • A Saudi woman poses as as she commemorates the first Founding Day in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia February 22, 2022. REUTERS / Ahmed Yosri
    A Saudi woman poses as as she commemorates the first Founding Day in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia February 22, 2022. REUTERS / Ahmed Yosri
  • Live music and dancers entertained crowds in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
    Live music and dancers entertained crowds in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
  • King Salman announced last month that February 22 would be an annual holiday to mark the founding of Saudi Arabia.
    King Salman announced last month that February 22 would be an annual holiday to mark the founding of Saudi Arabia.
  • Founding Day commemorates when Imam Mohammed bin Saud established the first Saudi state in the Hijri year 1139, or February of 1727AD.
    Founding Day commemorates when Imam Mohammed bin Saud established the first Saudi state in the Hijri year 1139, or February of 1727AD.
  • Crowds were captivated by more than 3,500 performers enacting 'The Beginning's March' at Wadi Namar in Riyadh on Tuesday.
    Crowds were captivated by more than 3,500 performers enacting 'The Beginning's March' at Wadi Namar in Riyadh on Tuesday.
  • Families turned out in their numbers to celebrate the historical and cultural depth of the kingdom.
    Families turned out in their numbers to celebrate the historical and cultural depth of the kingdom.
  • The recital of an epic poem at Wadi Namar was one of the main attractions.
    The recital of an epic poem at Wadi Namar was one of the main attractions.
  • The celebrations also featured theatrical performances involving purebred Arabian horses.
    The celebrations also featured theatrical performances involving purebred Arabian horses.
  • People shared live videos and pictures of celebrations on social media platforms.
    People shared live videos and pictures of celebrations on social media platforms.
  • Festivities are set to take place over three days and will include a spectacular fireworks display on Wednesday.
    Festivities are set to take place over three days and will include a spectacular fireworks display on Wednesday.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia celebrates its first Founding Day - in pictures

Traditional performances and flag waving among the celebrations

The National

February 23, 2022

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Updated: February 23, 2022, 9:10 AM
PhotographySaudi Arabia