Saudi Arabia celebrates National Day on September 23 each year, commemorating the founding of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. This day marks both the establishment of the nation and the pride in its history and progress. To understand why this date is so significant, it’s essential to explore the events leading to the country’s formation and clarify why 2024 is considered the 94th anniversary, even though 1932 was 92 years ago.
The Road to Unification
The story of modern Saudi Arabia begins with the Al Saud family, whose rise to power was intertwined with religious reform and territorial conquest. In the 18th century, a scholar named Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab advocated a return to what he saw as the pure, unadulterated form of Islam. His movement, later known as Wahhabism, became a central element in Saudi Arabia’s formation. He partnered with a local tribal leader, Muhammad bin Saud Al Muqrin, and together they founded the first Saudi state in the Najd region of the Arabian Peninsula in the mid-1700s. This state eventually expanded to control key cities like Mecca and Medina.
Although the first Saudi state collapsed following conflicts with the Ottoman Empire, the Al Saud family remained a significant power in the region. By the late 19th century, Abdul Rahman bin Saud Al Saud had sought refuge with Bedouin tribes after being defeated by Ottoman-supported forces. His son, Abdulaziz Al Saud, later recaptured Riyadh in 1902. This pivotal victory set the foundation for the eventual unification of the Arabian Peninsula under his leadership.
The Establishment of the Kingdom
Abdulaziz Al Saud, also known as Ibn Saud, spent the next several decades solidifying control over the Arabian Peninsula. Through a combination of military campaigns, political alliances, and strategic marriages, he managed to unite various regions under his rule. By 1932, Abdulaziz had unified Najd, the Hijaz, and the Eastern Province into a single state. On September 23, 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially proclaimed, with Abdulaziz Al Saud becoming its first king. Arabic was declared the national language, and the Quran was established as the constitution of the new kingdom.
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This unification marked a significant turning point for the region. The creation of Saudi Arabia not only united the Arabian Peninsula but also set the stage for the country to play a crucial role on the global stage, particularly after the discovery of vast oil reserves in the 1930s.
Why Celebrate on September 23?
September 23 is celebrated as Saudi National Day because it marks the date in 1932 when King Abdulaziz announced the official establishment of the modern Saudi state. The day is seen as a unifying moment for the country, symbolizing the successful efforts of King Abdulaziz to bring the disparate regions of the Arabian Peninsula under one flag.
Each year, the celebrations feature fireworks, concerts, air shows, and other festivities that foster national pride. The event is not just a remembrance of the past but also an opportunity to look toward the future. Recent National Day themes have focused on Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy away from oil dependence, modernize its infrastructure, and promote tourism and cultural initiatives.
Why the 94th Anniversary?
One common point of confusion is why 2024 marks the 94th anniversary of Saudi National Day when 1932 was 92 years ago. The answer lies in the way anniversaries are counted in Saudi Arabia, which often follows the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. The Hijri calendar, used by many Muslim-majority countries, is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar that is widely used globally. This means that dates based on the lunar Hijri calendar come around faster than those calculated using the solar Gregorian calendar.
As a result, 94 years have passed according to the Islamic calendar since the founding of Saudi Arabia in 1932, even though only 92 years have passed by the Gregorian calendar. This discrepancy is common in countries that observe the Hijri calendar for significant religious and national events.
This Year
Festivities for this year’s National Day began in all major cities on Friday, September 20, with fireworks, live music, and air shows. Streets, schools, universities, and both public and private spaces are decorated with the green Saudi flag.
This year’s National Day theme, “We Dream, We Achieve,” is a continuation of last year’s. According to the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), the theme represents Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation and its commitment to realizing Vision 2030.
Key Vision 2030 initiatives include the Diriyah Gate Project, the al-Subaiba Solar Power Plant, the AlUla Development Project, the Kingdom’s Astronaut Program, The Cube, the Electric Car (CEER) Project, THE LINE, the Sindalah Project, the AlSoudah Development Project, King Salman Park, and the Sports Boulevard Project.