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The Jeddah Municipality launched a comprehensive multi-day program to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day, the Saudi Press Agency reported on February 22, 2026. Events at Prince Majid Park included falconry displays, equestrian shows and exhibitions of traditional handicrafts that drew families from across the city. Family-oriented segments offered henna painting and creative workshops for children, allowing participants to engage directly with elements of national heritage during the celebrations.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the municipality decorated main roads, public squares and the corniche with coordinated festive elements to enhance the holiday atmosphere. These adornments extended the program’s reach beyond the central park venue and remained in place for several days. The arrangements formed one component of broader efforts to involve residents in the annual observance.
The Saudi Press Agency highlighted that Founding Day marks 299 years since the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud. The holiday received official status through a royal decree in 2022 and has since featured coordinated cultural programming each year. This year’s events maintained focus on historical education alongside recreational components in line with previous iterations.
The Saudi Press Agency detailed parallel activities in other regions as part of the unified national commemoration. Riyadh featured prominent displays of national flags while more than 5,000 lights illuminated key sites in Tabuk, Jazan, Madinah and Dhahran. Cultural markets operated in the Baha region and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture hosted dedicated programming.
Tabuk Governorate organized 23 separate events to engage its communities, the agency indicated. Jazan officials installed approximately 1,500 banners and distributed commemorative materials to residents across the province. These province-level initiatives complemented the central programming in Jeddah and reinforced consistent messaging throughout the Kingdom.
Reports from Arab News citing the Saudi Press Agency noted the emphasis on green-themed decorations and environmental awareness during this year’s Founding Day events. Interactive displays at Prince Majid Park and similar venues allowed attendees to connect with Saudi historical narratives through hands-on experiences. Comparable heritage-focused activities appeared in multiple cities, broadening public participation in the commemorative period.
