Founding Day is a Saudi national occasion on 22 February every year, commemorating the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in mid-1139 AH (1727), with Diriyah as its capital. It was established by a royal order on 27 January 2022 and is a public holiday.
A fixed Gregorian date
Founding Day follows a fixed Gregorian date, so it never moves, unlike Ramadan and the two Eids. Its Hijri equivalent, however, shifts by about 11 days each year. In 2027, 22 February corresponds to 15 Ramadan 1448 AH on the Umm al-Qura calendar, so it falls during Ramadan.
We count the time left until midnight at the start of the next 22 February, Riyadh time, in days, hours, minutes and seconds. Once the day has passed, the countdown moves to the next year automatically. To count office days around the holiday, use the Working Days Calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Founding Day 2027?
Founding Day is on 22 February every year; in 2027 it falls on Monday, 22 February 2027 (15 Ramadan 1448 AH).
When is Founding Day in the Hijri calendar?
Founding Day is tied to a fixed Gregorian date, 22 February, so its Hijri date changes every year; in 2027 it falls on 15 Ramadan 1448 AH. The first Saudi state itself was founded in mid-1139 AH (1727 CE).
Why is Founding Day on 22 February?
A royal order issued on 27 January 2022 made 22 February of every year a day to commemorate the founding of the Saudi state, named Founding Day, and a public holiday.
How long ago was the Saudi state founded?
The first Saudi state was founded by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 (1139 AH), 300 years before 2027.
How is Founding Day different from National Day?
Founding Day marks the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727; National Day on 23 September marks the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932.