RIYADH — The Ministry of Culture has completed its preparations to organize a raft of cultural activities and events to mark the celebration of the Founding Day, which falls on Wednesday, Feb. 22. There will be diverse innovative and creative programs that reflect the achievements of the people of the Saudi state since its foundation at the hands of Imam Muhammad Bin Saud in 1727 AD and until todate. Through these events, the Ministry seeks to present the story of the Founding Day in a creative template through which it commemorates the founding of the first Saudi state, leading to the nation's unification, realized by King Abdul Aziz as well as the achievements made by his sons, the kings who succeeded him, up to the prosperous era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman. All of these leaders have contributed to the promotion of construction, unity and development. The Ministry has prepared a number of major events, the first of which is the epic historic musical composition titled Sohail, which will be held in the historic Al-Turaif neighborhood in Diriyah, listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sohail reviews the story of the foundation and the men behind it and the sacrifices they made for the sake of the Saudi state' evolution and development. It would also highlight the historical and cultural heritage that the Kingdom abounds in, as well as the role of the spectrum of Saudi society in building the Kingdom's history-present and future. The Ministry is also organizing the 'Foundation March' event at the intersection of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road with King Salman Road in Riyadh. The show includes performance of artistic figures representing cultural values and elements, a parade procession, and a large Arabian horse parade, which in its totality presents the founding story that spans over three centuries of glory and prestige. The activities will be held in three areas, the first of which is the parade ground, apart from the dining area, and an area designated for the attendees. As part of the celebrations, the Liwan event will be held at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFID), starting from Feb. 22. The three-day event aims to enhance the value of community cohesion and communication, through activities concerned with all members of society. A major highlight of the event is that it displays culture in a renewed manner, through a unified presentation. This will be held simultaneously in 13 cities, including Arar, Sakaka, Tabuk, Hail, Buraidah, Dammam, Madinah, Taif, Jeddah, Al-Baha, Abha, Jazan, and Najran. Through this, each city reflects a certain value, followed by activities and events, to take the visitor in an interconnected journey from one event to the next. As part of the celebrations, the King Fahd National Library in Riyadh will host the 'Majlis', featuring lectures, dialogue meetings, and workshops covering the history of the Saudi state. The Majlis includes the Foundation Day Exhibition, which consists of four sections namely: An artist from my country; My country tunes; Calligraphy arts with the most famous Saudi calligraphers; and Our history with our eyes. Among the most important events is the play "Our Muallaqat: The Extension of Glory", which will be shown at Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University in Riyadh. It is a major lyrical and theatrical event that highlights the culture of the Kingdom through three centuries of poetry under the supervision of the prominent poet Prince Abdul Rahman Bin Musaed, and Prince Ahmed Bin Sultan, with the participation of Saudi poets, and artists in all theatrical and creative disciplines. The Ministry of Culture organizes these events in partnership with several entities, including the founding partner: the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and the strategic partners: Saudi Aramco, the Saudi National Bank, and the King Abdullah Financial Center Development and Management Company.
