National Day
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day on the first day of Libra, corresponding to September 23 each year, commemorating the unification and establishment of the Kingdom under the leadership of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may Allah have mercy upon him.
On this day in 1351 AH / 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established following thirty-two years of unification efforts led by its Founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may Allah have mercy upon him. This followed his recapture of Riyadh, the capital of the kingdom of his forefathers, on 5 Shawwal 1319 AH, corresponding to January 15, 1902.
On 17 Jumada Al-Awwal 1351 AH, a Royal Decree was issued unifying all regions of the modern Saudi state under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz subsequently designated Thursday, 21 Jumada Al-Awwal 1351 AH, corresponding to September 23, 1932, as the day for the official proclamation of the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Among the established facts that emerge when reviewing and studying the history of the establishment, continuity, and resilience of the Saudi state is that strong will, sincere determination, and a firm desire to advance the process of construction and progress have been distinctive and prominent characteristics of the Kingdom’s leaders since the reign of its Founder, King Abdulaziz, may Allah have mercy upon him, through to the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect him.
The Kingdom’s journey has encompassed successive stages of remarkable achievement, characterized by the consolidation of the foundations of national development and the establishment of a robust economic base that has positioned the Kingdom among the world’s leading productive and exporting economies. Equally significant has been the empowerment of the Saudi people to keep pace with global advancement, through the Kingdom’s comprehensive transformation, particularly in the fields of science and education. These achievements have further strengthened the Kingdom’s political and economic standing among nations, while deepening its relations and reinforcing its principles and orientations.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays an influential role on the international stage, drawing upon its political and economic weight and its pivotal position in the Arab and Islamic worlds. This has enabled it to play a prominent role in shaping positions on major issues and to serve as a voice of influence extending beyond its regional surroundings to the wider world.
Today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of its King and through its government and people, takes pride in its service to the Two Holy Mosques: The Holy Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, as well as in serving pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.
Since the era of their father, the Founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may Allah have mercy upon him, through to the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect him, the leaders of this country have earned the respect and appreciation of nations of the world for the pioneering role played by the Kingdom at the Arab, Islamic, and international levels.
Saudi Arabia Indicators
Recent indicators reflect the continued growth and diversification of the Saudi economy:
Uniting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
On the 17th of Jumadah Al Uola 1351, a Royal Decree was issued declaring all parts of the Kingdom united, under the name" Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" and his title was King of Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz chose Thursday the 21st of jumadah al Uola to declare that unity. Now this is the national Day of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During his reign, two crossing swards and a datepalm between them was chosen as an emblem for the newly established Kingdom.The flag of the kingdom was also chosen, it is a green rectangle in the center were written the words "No god except Allah and Mohammed is his messenger in white, and under it is white sword.
From the beginning, King Abdulaziz, organized his kingdom in a modern way. He delegated authority and formed a government for Hijaz area after conquering it. He then created the non-existing office of General Prosecutor and appointed his son Prince Faisal to head that office that was in the year 1926. He also assigned to Prince Faisal the Chairmanship of the Shuora Council which was a consultative council. In December 1931, another decree was issued establishing a council of deputies. King Abdulaziz, then formed several ministries to run the government. Diplomatic relations with some countries were established and ambassadors, councils, commissioners and ministers were also appointed.
King abdulaziz also supported the Palestinian issue and when the Arab League was established in Cairo in 1945 the Kingdom was among its first members. Among the first achievements of King Abdulaziz was his project to settle the Nomads. They were settled in villages and agricultural lands. An army of volunteers was formed out of these settled nomads. King Abdulaziz worked hard to improve the social and economic conditions of Saudi Arabia. He gave his instructions to establish new schools and institutes and encouraged book publishing especially Islamic books. He also expanded the Prophets mosque and supplied it with waster and medical services to serve Pilgrims.