The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has started days-long celebrations to mark February 22 as its founding day, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

The history of “Founding Day” goes back three centuries ago when the first Saudi state was established in 1727 during the leadership of Imam Muhammad bin Saud.

It is a new annual holiday to commemorate the founding of the first Saudi state in Arabia. 

In February 1727, bin Saud inherited leadership over the central Arabian town of Diriyah, which had been established by his ancestors back in the 15th century.

On the first of Founding Day, the celebrations have begun in all major cities, including the Saudi capital Riyadh. In the historical area of Al-Diriyah, the celebrations began with a caravan of Arab horses and camels, in which scouts and Haramain Sharif security personnel, including police and military forces, participated in the parade. 

While a large number of local and foreign nationals participated in this parade. 

King Salman bin Abdulaziz said that we have established stability, justice and fairness, harmony among the people during the history of three centuries. 

The events are being held across the country and the capital Riyadh will also have its share of celebrations as the city’s towers have already been lit up with green lighting in preparation for the holiday.

The Foundation Day celebrations will continue for the next four days, in which airshows and entertainment and cultural activities will be prominent in all cities, while the tallest buildings across the country will also be decorated.

History depicted through art is one of the ways in which the Founding Day will be marked. People can enjoy a musical performance based on Arabic poetry which shows the history and glories of Saudi Arabia since it was founded until contemporary times.

Theatre stars and singers will take part in the play from February 22 until February 27 at the conference center at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh. 

The KSA ‘s history and values of the Founding Day will be shown off during a march that will include a procession of horses and huge artistic sculptures. The march, which will take place on Riyadh’s Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, will tell the story of the Kingdom’s bonding, development and courage.

The march will take place on Friday, February 24.  Attendees can enjoy food and snacks at the event before the show starts and people are encouraged to stick around to enjoy the fireworks show.

From Wednesday until Friday a series of events will be taking place at the King Fahad National Library that will introduce visitors to the cultural heritage of the first Saudi state through seminars, meetings and workshops.

Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District will witness cultural events that will take visitors back three centuries ago and will give them a chance to revisit history by creating popular markets, showcasing traditional Saudi clothes in addition to interactive exhibitions and historical plays.