The National Day During the Reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (Origin and Foundation) 1348-1372 AH - 1930-1953 AD

Abstract

The National Day in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dates back to the reign of the founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud. This day was famous during his reign by several names in various sources. The beginning of the idea of celebration of this day dates back to a petition submitted by the Members of the Shura Council on Jumādā al-Thani, 16th, 1345 AH - December 22nd, 1926 AD to King Abdulaziz to approve adopting the date of annexation of Hijaz dated Jumādā al-Ākhirah 23rd, 1344 AH-January 8th, 1926 as the National Day to be commemorated every year in the country and to make this day a chance for people to celebrate and express their feelings toward their king. However, King Abdulaziz refused their request desiring to stay away from manifestations and to concentrate on the duty placed on him towards the country and his people, but they insisted on their request and tried again on Ramadan 9th, 1347 AH - February 18th, 1929 AD but such try was headed by the Attorney General in Hejaz and the Speaker of the Shura Council Prince Faisal Abdulaziz Al Saud and support of large number of governmental and private bodies along with people. Therefore, the King had to defer to the wish of his people and agreed but he required moderation and to be merely little manifestations therein as well as such memory to be a time for beautification and charity.

    Accordingly, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz issued the decision of celebration of the National Day in which ceremonies of celebration in that day were highlighted.  Such approval was just a result of availability of several factors to celebrate this day. The first celebration of the National Day was the fourth anniversary of Hejaz annexation by King Abdulaziz on Sha'ban 8th, 1348 AH - January 8th, 1930.