On this day in 1932, King Abdulaziz Al Saud announced the unification of a vast territory— one destined to command significant influence on the international, Arab and Gulf stages. It was then that its official name, the ‘Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’, was proclaimed. The man who forged this Kingdom created a nation that played a vital role in history, consistently serving as a central axis in Arab and international political affairs.
It stands as a sheltering canopy for the peoples of the Arab and Islamic worlds, owing to its enduring stewardship of the Two Holy Mosques. While the Hajj pilgrimage to the Sacred House was once fraught with the perils of bandits, plunder and violence, the unification of the Kingdom transformed it into a journey free from such hardships. Consequently, the peoples of the Islamic world hold the rulers of Saudi Arabia in deep affection and esteem—from the founding King to the present day.
The Kingdom enjoys security and stability under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Over the course of about a century, the Kingdom has witnessed both successes and setbacks, yet, it has always risen with renewed strength. It is safeguarded by God Almighty, who blessed it with rulers keen on serving the Sacred House and the resting place of the Messenger of God—leaders who fulfill their duties to their faith, their Arab identity, the Gulf region, and their citizens with unwavering integrity and transparency.
For 96 years, Riyadh has truly lived up to its name—a ‘garden of wisdom’ and a ‘garden of goodness’ for the Arab world, as well as a source of support for its Gulf brethren. This was particularly evident in the case of Kuwait. When a major calamity befell the country, the Kingdom stood at the forefront of those offering support. Up to this day, Kuwaitis remember the words of the late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, “Kuwait must return, God willing; otherwise, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will go down together.” This stance epitomized the shared destiny of two sister nations— a bond that unites all countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In 1990, the Emirate of Riyadh was transformed into an operations center to assist Kuwaitis, as per the directives of its then-Amir, Salman bin Abdulaziz—a gesture that Kuwaitis remember well.
This commitment extends beyond Kuwait, up to the entire Arab and Islamic world, as frequently articulated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. He said, “we cooperate with our Arab and Muslim brothers everywhere to defend their countries, ensure their independence, and preserve their government systems as chosen by their peoples.” Since 2015, the Kingdom’s leadership has been spearheading a drive to open up to the world. This initiative included monumental steps that garnered global acclaim and brought great happiness to the Saudi people through major development projects, thereby restoring the pioneering role of the Kingdom as the creator of culture and leader in development excellence in various fields. The benevolence of Saudi Arabia is not confined to its own borders, as it extends to the Arab and Islamic worlds and to the far corners of the globe, sharing the blessings God has bestowed upon it.
The Kingdom has always been—and remains—the primary pillar of regional stability. In doing so, Saudi Arabia proves daily its unwavering loyalty to its faith, its Gulf identity, its Arab heritage, and to humanity as a whole. Within almost a century, this land transformed into a hub of achievements in all sectors. Thus, the National Day slogan, “Our Pride Lies in Our Character”, reflects the authenticity of the Saudi identity and the values of goodness and loyalty. These are the hallmarks of great leaders—those true to their Creator, themselves and their people. They embody the path that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been treading since its inception to date.
