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The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Eastern Region Municipality has completed its preparations to celebrate Founding Day 2026 with extensive decorations across Dammam and surrounding areas in the province. Municipal teams installed national flags, illuminated displays and large billboards featuring historical themes along major roads, public squares and government buildings. The agency detailed how these adornments reflect the day’s significance while creating a festive environment for residents and visitors alike. Officials coordinated the effort over several weeks to ensure timely completion before the February 22 holiday.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the celebrations will encompass various cultural events organized by the municipality in coordination with local partners. These activities include traditional performances, educational exhibitions on Saudi history and community gatherings designed to engage families throughout the Eastern Province. The agency noted that similar initiatives in prior years successfully drew large crowds while promoting national heritage. Municipal authorities have emphasized accessibility so that all segments of society can participate.
Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, according to official Saudi historical accounts. The Saudi government designated the observance as a national holiday through a royal decree issued in 2016, with nationwide celebrations beginning the following year. Annual events have since expanded to include festivals, fireworks and cultural programs that highlight the kingdom’s unifying history and values.
The Saudi Press Agency indicated that the Eastern Region Municipality focused its 2026 decorations on prominent landmarks in Dammam to maximize visibility and impact. Installations incorporated the national colors along with motifs drawn from the Diriyah era to reinforce the historical narrative. Local teams also prepared contingency plans for maintenance during the multi-day celebration period. This approach aligns with practices observed in other Saudi provinces during national holidays.
Saudi Tourism Authority figures show that domestic travel typically surges during Founding Day, with millions of citizens and residents joining festivities across regions in recent years. The authority has documented increased visits to heritage sites and public events as families seek to connect with national traditions. In the Eastern Province, municipal enhancements are expected to contribute to this pattern by offering more structured activities than in previous observances. Coordination with tourism entities has helped integrate the celebrations into broader heritage promotion efforts.
The Saudi Press Agency added that the municipality invited residents to engage with the adorned sites while respecting the installations and participating in scheduled events. Awareness campaigns accompanied the decorations to inform the public about the holiday’s meaning and available programs. Community feedback collected in advance helped shape aspects of the celebration, the agency reported. Preparations concluded with final inspections to verify all elements met municipal standards.
