New public holiday announced in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh city skyline including Kingdom Tower

Saudi Arabia has declared a new official public holiday in observance of the Kingdom’s Founding Day.

According to a royal decree issued by His Royal Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, February 22 this year will mark the occasion across the public and private sectors.

The decree says: “Out of pride in the well-established roots of this blessed state, and the close connection of its citizens with its leaders since the era of Imam Muhammad bin Saud three centuries ago, in early 1727, until 1818.

“With its capital in Diriyah and its constitution, the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of His Messenger, the first Saudi state was established in the Arabian Peninsula.”

Other holidays this year include Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, with dates subject to confirmation based on moon sighting, and National Day on Friday September 23.