12 stellar ways to commemorate the Saudi Founding Day
Saudi Arabia to hold several events throughout the week…
Founding Day will be commemorated for the first time on February 22 in Saudi Arabia, and it is definitely something most of us are eagerly looking forward to. As we commemorate the Kingdom’s deep-rooted history that spanned for more than three centuries, here are a few ideas for you to make it extra meaningful for your family.
Watch the Founding Day Parade
February 22
Location: Riyadh
What better way to showcase national pride and be educated on the history of Saudi Arabia than to be at the Founding Day Parade? If you’re one of the lucky few who got tickets to the parade, be sure to treasure every moment of the evening.
Founding Day Parade, Wadi Namar, Abi Sufyan Ibn Al Harith, Alhazm, Riyadh, Feb 22, 10pm to 11.30pm. Events.foundingday.sa
Make a day trip to the desert
February 22
Location: Riyadh
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For an immersive experience captivating the Saudi heritage, go on an exciting desert adventure with the entire family. Enjoy activities like sand duning, hiking, Saudi folklore dances and storytelling, stargazing by the bonfire, and a traditional Saudi dinner.
Wonderlust by RedSand, Nisah, Feb 22, 4.30pm to 11pm, SAR499 per person. Book your tickets here. @redsand.ksa
Feast your way at David Burke restaurant
February 22
Location: Riyadh
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Indulge in an exclusive Saudi Founding Day menu at David Burke restaurant, which includes seven starters to share, a main each and desserts. There’ll also be a live music performance by local singer-songwriter Sarah Chafei at the Riyadh Front branch.
David Burke Founding Day Celebration, Riyadh Front Gate 3, Feb 22, 8.30pm. SAR295 per person. Make your reservations here. @davidburkeksa
Give horse riding a go
February 22
Location: Jeddah
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Experience horse riding on the most beautiful beaches in Jeddah. This is perfect for beginners looking to learn and experts who want to spend the day galloping. What’s more, in celebration of Saudi Founding Day, Lagoona Horse Riding is offering a special price on February 22.
Lagoona Horse Riding, 7am to 10am & 2.30pm to 6pm. SAR130 only on Feb 22. Tel: 056 568 5626. @lagoona.horse.riding
Watch the camel parade
February 22 & 23
Location: Ithra
King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) celebrates Saudi Founding Day with various activities, including a traditional A’arda dance at the Lush Garden. Not-to-be-missed is the camel parade featuring 22 beautiful camels. It highlights the close connection between the ship of the desert and the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as the arts linked to the relationship.
Camel Parade, Ithra, Ringroad/Main, Feb 22-23, 3pm to 5pm. All Lush Garden activities on Feb 22-23 start after the Camel Parade from 6pm onwards. @ithra
Learn more about Saudi culture at the Majlis event
February 22-24
Location: Riyadh
A whole host of enriching experiences await you at the Majlis cultural event at The National Museum. Explore thought-provoking workshops, talks, and discussions that will uncover the cultural history of the first Saudi state like never before.
Majlis, The Saudi National Museum, Al Murabba, Riyadh, Feb 22-24, 4pm onwards. Events.foundingday.sa
Experience the Nejnaj flea markets
February 22-24
Locations include Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Taif, Hail, Abha, Al Baha, and Tabuk
Get ready to see Saudi Arabia as you’ve never seen it before. Take a little trip to Nejnaj, a place where ancient flea markets burst to life. Explore a cultural celebration of traditional Saudi garments and costumes, and taste the aroma of traditional Saudi coffee as history unfolds before your eyes.
The Nejnaj event is divided into five regions (central, eastern, northern, western, and southern) to be held throughout the Kingdom. Each region includes a mini-art exhibition consisting of old photos showing its ancient heritage and history during the Saudi state. Each region will also have actors and narrators telling real stories from the founding period.
Nejnaj, Feb 22-24, Various locations, 4pm onwards. Events.foundingday.sa
Participate in the Ithra Fashion Competition
February 22-26
Location: Ithra
It is evident through history that humans express themselves and their way of life through (though not limited to) art and fashion. As fashion is personal, it can represent our status and an expression of our personality. At the Ithra Fashion Competition, you will discover everything about style and textile design that reflects Saudi Arabia. The fashion competition will be held over three days, including a fashion show.
Immerse yourself in the Founding Operetta musical performance
February 23
Location: Riyadh
The “Founding Operetta” musical performance will take the audience back to the first days of the Kingdom up until the current time and highlights the establishment and unification stages of the Kingdom. It also shows its transition to modern life while preserving the language, religion, customs, traditions, and social relations. It aims to celebrate the founder and other historical icons throughout three centuries in a musical led by Mohammed Abdo, Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Rashed Al-Fares, Majed Al-Mohandes, and Dalia.
Founding Operetta, Mohammed Abdo Arena, Riyadh Boulevard, Feb 23, 10pm to 11pm. Events.foundingday.sa
Watch the Founding Day sky show
February 24
Location: Riyadh
Don’t miss Riyadh’s beautiful fireworks and aerial drone shows. A night to cherish and remember as 10 paintings magically blend with mesmerising music that will turn Riyadh’s sky into a canvas of light. Spectators can view the show from the intersection between King Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz AlAwwal Road.
Founding Day Sky Show, Al Qirawan, Riyadh, Feb 24, 5pm & 10pm. Events.foundingday.sa
Sign up for the Poetry Night
February 24
Location: Ithra
Poetry lovers, rejoice. To celebrate Founding Day and to take pride in Saudi’s history, Ithra is holding a Nabati poetry evening with the poet Naif Saqer, one of the most prominent current Saudi poets.
Poetry Night, Ithra Theatre, Feb 24, 7pm to 8.30pm. SAR75 per person. @ithra
Enjoy a special offer for a staycation at Ascott Properties
The special offer is valid until February 26
Locations: Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar
Commemorating the joyous occasion of the Saudi Founding Day, The Ascott Limited is offering guests up to 20 per cent off on bookings rates across participating properties, including Ascott Sari Jeddah, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residence Jeddah and the brand’s luxury addresses, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh and Ascott Corniche Al Khobar.
Indulge in a pampering retreat with Ascott Limited’s Jeddah properties, consisting of exclusive living spaces with world-class amenities and scenic views of the city centre, or explore the culinary heritage and stylish retail offerings the enriched city has to offer. At Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, guests can enjoy amenities such as swimming pools and spa, a gymnasium, children’s playroom, restaurants and meeting rooms. Meanwhile, Al Khobar offers guests the perfect recluse from the bustling city life and the opportunity to become one with nature with picturesque views of the corniche.
Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residence Jeddah & Ascott Corniche Al Khobar. The special offer is valid until Feb 26. Discoverasr.com
Images: Provided / Instagram / Unsplash