Riyadh turns green for Founding Day
RIYADH: It is one of two occasions — the other is National Day — when the Kingdom is adorned with national flags.
Citizens and residents will take to the streets in their thousands tomorrow, Feb. 22, to celebrate Saudi Arabia's fourth Founding Day.
The Riyadh Municipality has arranged for the streets to be adorned with more than 8,000 national flags, turning the capital green. The flags, representing both the First Saudi State and the modern Kingdom, have been hung strategically on main road masts, squares, bridges, intersections and lampposts, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
The positioning was carefully planned to ensure aesthetic harmony with the city's landscape and were safely installed by mechanical means. The range of sizes means the flags can also be clearly seen.
Specialized field teams followed a strict timetable to carry out the installations efficiently, prioritizing safety, sustainability and regular maintenance throughout the celebrations.
The efforts reflect the Riyadh Municipality's commitment to highlighting national identity and improving the urban landscape, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance the capital's visual appeal and emphasize the Kingdom's heritage.
Landmarks including ministry buildings were decorated with green lights on Friday, the eve of Founding Day, while special events across the region will include firework displays and traditional folk acts.
'We invite you to attend the Riyadh Municipality events in 47 municipalities within the governorates and centers of the region in more than 47 locations; to enjoy lively events, quality activities, diverse areas and participations,' Riyadh Municipality wrote on X.
Abdullah Ahmed, a resident of the capital, praised the authority for its efforts to make Founding Day such a special occasion.
He told Arab News: 'I am thankful to the Almighty Allah for bestowing safety and security on us as we live in complete solidarity and peace. We are fortunate that we have good leadership in King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and we are fortunate to have Imam Mohammed bin Saud as the founder of the First Saudi State in 1727.'
The modern Kingdom took its first steps on the road to nationhood in 1727, when Imam Mohammed bin Saud succeeded his cousin, Zaid bin Markhan, as ruler of the city state of Diriyah. It is this pivotal moment, recognized as the date when the First Saudi State came into being, that is celebrated as Founding Day each year.
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