Riyadh - A royal decree was issued today, the text of which reads:

Number: A/371

Date: 06/24/1443 AH

With the help of God Almighty

We are Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

After perusal of the Basic Law of Governance, issued by Royal Order No. (A/90) dated 8/27/1412 AH.

And out of pride in the well-established roots of this blessed state, and the close connection of its citizens with its leaders since the era of Imam Muhammad bin Saud three centuries ago, and the beginning of its founding in the middle of 1139 AH (1727 AD) for the first Saudi state, which lasted until 1233 AH (1818 AD), with its capital in Diriyah and its constitution the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of his Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace. May God’s peace and blessings be upon him, and the unity and security it established in the Arabian Peninsula, after centuries of dispersal, division and instability, and its steadfastness in the face of attempts to eradicate it, as only seven years passed since its end until Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud in 1240 AH (1824 AD) From its restoration and the establishment of the second Saudi state, which lasted until 1309 AH (1891 AD); Ten years after its completion, God decreed King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Faisal Al Saud in 1319 AH (1902 AD) to establish the third Saudi state and unify it in the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and his sons, kings, followed his approach in strengthening the building and unity of this state.

Since the middle of the year 1139 AH corresponding to February 1727 AD is the beginning of the era of Imam Muhammad bin Saud and his establishment of the first Saudi state.

We ordered the following:

First: The day (February 22) of each year shall be a day to commemorate the founding of the Saudi state, in the name of (Foundation Day), and it becomes an official holiday.

Second: Our order is communicated to the competent authorities for approval and implementation.