Do not finalize any plans just yet because the National Museum Founding Day 2026 programs have just been released, and trust us, you do not want to miss any of these.
Founding Day, declared an official Saudi public holiday back in 2022, is coinciding with Ramadan festivities in the Kingdom this year, and while there had been concerns about the celebrations getting lost in the hubble-bubble of the Holy Month, the National Museum has put them to bed.
The space will be running a four-day program of events and festivities starting from tonight, Thursday. February 19, and are bound to dominate your entire long weekend.
So, wear your Founding Day best and get ready to reacquaint yourselves with Saudi history. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming celebrations.
The National Museum Founding Day 2026 celebrations
One of the newest public holidays on the Kingdom’s calendar, the Saudi Founding Day is annually celebrated on February 22 to commemorate the enthronement of Muhammad bin Saud as the emir of the oasis town of Diriyah in 1727 following the death of his father, Saud al-Muqrin, the eponymous ancestor of the al-Saud family.
The holiday was first introduced in 2022 and is one of the three non-religious national holidays observed in the country.
The National Museum Founding Day 2026 celebrations location
The National Museum at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center on King Faisal Road will be hosting the events. You can get to the museum via the Riyadh Metro’s blue and green lines. The metro is currently observing Ramadan times, so keep those in mind when planning your visit.
The National Museum Founding Day 2026 celebrations dates
The festivities will begin tonight, Thursday, February 19, and go on until the actual Founding Day on Sunday, February 22.
The National Museum Founding Day 2026 celebrations tickets
No pre-booked, online tickets are required to attend the museum’s Founding Day events. You may have to scan a QR code and book a free entry ticket at the entrance.
What to expect at the National Museum Founding Day 2026 celebrations
The program combines interactive experiences with the richness of heritage through historical exhibits, captivating storytelling, culinary adventures, and age-appropriate activities.
The schedule revolves around two main themes: Founding Day events from Thursday, February 19, to Sunday, February 22, which focus on reviving the legacy of the First Saudi State and highlighting the values that have shaped the Kingdom’s identity over the past three centuries, and Ramadan events from Thursday, February 19, to Friday, March 6, which recreate the spirit of the holy month through cultural programs that promote social interaction and celebrate authentic heritage.
Saudi Founding Day 2026
Celebrations for the public holiday began early this year with Qasr Al Hukm hosting fun activities for all ages in the Justice Square earlier this month.
Thu Feb 19-Sun Feb 22. National Museum, King Abdulaziz Historical Center, King Faisal Rd, @saudimuseum.
