Diriyah: Diriyah is celebrating Founding Day this year under the slogan "Founded on Generosity," reaffirming the enduring value of giving as a deeply rooted principle in its history. The slogan reflects Diriyah's approach to embedding generosity as a fundamental pillar of state-building, alongside security and unity, underscoring giving and benevolence as constant elements in the Kingdom's journey since its inception.
According to Saudi Press Agency, on this occasion, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) announced a diverse calendar of events and curated experiences designed to enable visitors to embark on a unique journey between past and present, while exploring the history of the Saudi state. The events are taking place across Diriyah's historic districts, offering visitors a variety of experiences in several locations, including the At-Turaif District, Samhan District, Adhwaihrah District, and Al-Tawalie area.
The program also features a series of themed sessions, including the "Samrah" program, which presents storytelling sessions led by a professional narrator. These sessions trace key milestones in the history of the First Saudi State from its founding to the present day, within an educational framework that introduces visitors to the state's historical legacy and strengthens their connection to it. The "Mssyan" program offers academic sessions on Diriyah and the expansion of the First Saudi State, from a scholarly perspective that seeks to deepen historical understanding and highlight the political and social dimensions of the founding era. In addition, "Al-Midad Sessions" hosts cultural discussions on Diriyah's founding period, featuring experts specializing in the history of the First Saudi State, while the "Giving of Security" program delivers educational sessions on defensive methods that emerged during Diriyah's founding era.
As part of the celebrations, a specialized guided experience is being held in the At-Turaif District, featuring two historical routes that shed light on the roles of leadership and community partnership during the founding period. Each route is presented through tailored storytelling, enhancing visitors' understanding of the concepts of construction and stability in the early days of the state. The first route, "Path of the Founder," explores the life of Imam Muhammad bin Saud and his role in establishing the foundations of the First Saudi State and consolidating its political and social bases. The second route focuses on "The Path of Princess Modhi bint Sultan," the spouse of the Imam, highlighting her contributions to supporting society and promoting the values of generosity and charitable work, as one of the most prominent models of community partnership during the founding era.
Founding Day activities in Diriyah also target children through a diverse package of offerings, including storytelling sessions accompanied by interactive workshops, a puzzle challenge designed to stimulate learning through play, and the "Crafts of Giving" program, which teaches children key traditional crafts that contributed to the building of Diriyah.
The artistic dimension is further highlighted through the "Generosity in Giving" activity, which features a mural design inspired by Sbalat Modhi, where visitors record what inherited generosity and giving mean to them. This is complemented by equestrian shows that showcase the beauty and significance of the purebred Arabian horse and its cultural and historical role as a symbol of authenticity and strength.
The events and programs will continue on February 21 and 22 as part of DGDA's efforts to highlight the deep historical significance of Founding Day and its connection to Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state. The celebrations seek to enhance awareness of the Kingdom's national heritage by offering high-quality programs and interactive cultural experiences, reinforcing values of identity and belonging, and providing visitors with the opportunity to explore key milestones of the founding era through content that reflects the importance and stature of the occasion.