Days until Founding Day
Upcoming dates
| Gregorian | Hijri | Day | In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 February 2027 | 15 Ramadan 1448 AH | Monday | 101 days |
| 22 February 2028 | 26 Ramadan 1449 AH | Tuesday | 466 days |
| 22 February 2029 | 9 Shawwal 1450 AH | Thursday | 832 days |
| 22 February 2030 | 19 Shawwal 1451 AH | Friday | 1,197 days |
| 22 February 2031 | 30 Shawwal 1452 AH | Saturday | 1,562 days |
Founding Day is 101 days away. Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day on 22 February every year, marking the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in mid-1139 AH (1727), with Diriyah as its capital. The next Founding Day is on Monday, 22 February 2027 (15 Ramadan 1448 AH).
Founding Day 2027: the 300th anniversary
Upcoming dates are in the table above. Founding Day 2027 is the 300th anniversary of the first Saudi state (1727–2027) and falls on a Monday in mid-Ramadan 1448 AH by the Umm al-Qura calendar.
How 22 February became Founding Day
A royal order by King Salman bin Abdulaziz on 24 Jumada al-Akhirah 1443 AH (27 January 2022) made 22 February of every year the day to commemorate the founding of the Saudi state, under the name “Founding Day”, as an official holiday. It was first celebrated on 22 February 2022.
Founding Day holiday
- One fully paid day for the public and private sectors; in 2026 the Ministry of Human Resources announced Sunday 22 February (5 Ramadan 1447 AH) as the holiday for both.
- On a weekend a substitute day is announced, usually Thursday for a Friday and Sunday for a Saturday.
- Staff who work that day are paid under the Labour Law's rules for work on holidays.
Founding Day vs National Day
| Founding Day | National Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 22 February | 23 September |
| Marks | The first Saudi state | Unification of the Kingdom |
| Year | 1727 (1139 AH) | 1932 (1351 AH) |
| Founder | Imam Muhammad bin Saud | King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud |
| Capital then | Diriyah | Riyadh |
See also the National Day countdown.
Founding Day FAQ
How many days until Founding Day?
101 days until Monday, 22 February 2027.
Is Founding Day a public holiday?
Yes, one fully paid day for government and private-sector workers under the 2022 royal order.
How old is the Saudi state?
The first Saudi state was founded in 1727, so it turns 300 years in 2027.
Is Founding Day the same as National Day?
No. Founding Day marks 1727; National Day (23 September) marks the 1932 unification.
What if 22 February is a Saturday?
A substitute day is announced, usually Sunday for a Saturday and Thursday for a Friday.
Related tools and pages
- Days until Saudi National Day
- How many days until Ramadan
- Days between two dates
- Today's Hijri date
- Hijri to Gregorian date converter
- Days until salary day in Saudi Arabia
- Store offers for the season
Official sources
- Saudi Press Agency: royal order on Founding Day (Arabic)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
Content last reviewed: 12 November 2026