RIYADH — Cultural and entertainment events were launched across Saudi Arabia on Sunday to mark Founding Day, as cities nationwide hosted large-scale activities celebrating the anniversary.Streets were decorated in green and traditional attire was widely seen as the capital, Riyadh, and other cities turned into cultural and tourism destinations, attracting thousands of citizens, residents and visitors.This year’s Founding Day coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, with events taking on a national and evening character in a Ramadan atmosphere. **media[2667262]** Celebrations highlighted pride in the Kingdom’s historical roots and the establishment of the First Saudi State nearly three centuries ago.Diriyah, regarded as the birthplace of the Saudi state, featured prominently in the celebrations. The At-Turaif district, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosted activities organized by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.Events in At-Turaif included interactive historical experiences, children’s workshops presenting stories of Diriyah, and heritage storytelling sessions.Academic discussions addressed the legacy of Diriyah and the historical expansion of the Saudi state, alongside Arabian horse shows and guided tours tracing leadership and community roles during the founding period. **media[2667261]** In Riyadh, Qasr Al-Hukm and Justice Square hosted national events under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, including the “Mikhyal Hal Al-Ouja” exhibition, which showcased stages of the Kingdom’s founding through contemporary visual techniques.Riyadh Municipality decorated streets and main roads with more than 5,000 lighting installations across key axes, squares and public spaces to mark the occasion.The municipality also organized activities in parks and open areas to encourage community participation and reinforce national pride.Celebrations were not limited to the capital. Events were held across the Kingdom’s 13 regions as Saudis marked Founding Day for the fifth time since King Salman issued a royal order designating Feb. 22 each year as Founding Day.In Jeddah, a multi-day program included decorating roads, squares and parks, with Prince Majed Park hosting field activities on Feb. 22 featuring falconry, horse displays, traditional crafts, children’s activities and henna art. **media[2667260]** In Tabuk region, 23 cultural, national and heritage events were organized across cities and governorates with participation from government and private entities.
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