360Saudi Arabia's story
From the First Saudi State to Vision 2030. 11 moments, oldest first.
- 17271727 (1139 AH)
Imam Muhammad bin Saud founds the First Saudi State
In 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud took leadership in Diriyah and founded the First Saudi State, the beginning of the nation that became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah grew into a centre of stability, trade and culture. Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has celebrated this beginning every year on 22 February as Founding Day.
- 18241824 (1240 AH)
Imam Turki bin Abdullah founds the Second Saudi State
In 1824, Imam Turki bin Abdullah founded the Second Saudi State and made Riyadh its capital. He restored stability to central Arabia and renewed the legacy of the First Saudi State. Riyadh's choice as capital shaped the future, and the city is today the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- 190215 January 1902 (5 Shawwal 1319 AH)
Abdulaziz recovers Riyadh
On 15 January 1902, the young Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and a small band of companions recovered Riyadh, the capital of his forefathers. It was the first step in three decades of unification that led to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
- 193223 September 1932
King Abdulaziz unifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
On 23 September 1932, King Abdulaziz Al Saud proclaimed the unification of his lands under one name: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The royal decree joined the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its dependencies into a single state. The day marked the end of three decades of unification and is celebrated every year as Saudi National Day.
- 201625 April 2016
Saudi Arabia launches Vision 2030
On 25 April 2016, Saudi Arabia announced Vision 2030, a national plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy beyond oil. It aims for a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. Since then, the Kingdom has opened to tourism, expanded entertainment and sport, and launched giga-projects.
- 201927 September 2019
Saudi Arabia opens its doors to tourists from around the world
On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia launched tourist visas for the first time, letting visitors from 49 countries apply online or on arrival. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom invited the world to discover its heritage sites, such as AlUla and Diriyah, its Red Sea coast and its cities. Tourism has since become one of its fastest-growing industries.
- 202328 November 2023
Riyadh wins the right to host Expo 2030
On 28 November 2023, member states of the Bureau International des Expositions voted in Paris to award World Expo 2030 to Riyadh. The Saudi capital won 119 votes, far ahead of Busan and Rome. Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 2030 to March 2031, welcoming visitors from around the world.
- 202722 February 2027 · Anniversary
300 years since the founding of the First Saudi State
Founding Day 2027 marks 300 years since Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the First Saudi State in Diriyah in 1727. Three centuries on, the Kingdom celebrates its deep roots every 22 February with heritage, traditional dress and national pride.
- 20302030 · Planned
Saudi Vision 2030 reaches its target year
2030 is the target year of Saudi Vision 2030, the national plan launched in 2016 to diversify the economy, grow tourism, culture and sport, and raise quality of life. Many of its goals, from new industries to giga-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea destinations, are measured against this year.
- 20301 October 2030 – 31 March 2031 · Confirmed
Expo 2030 opens in Riyadh
World Expo 2030 is planned to open in Riyadh on 1 October 2030 and run for six months, under the theme 'The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow'. Countries from around the world will present ideas and innovations, and the Kingdom expects tens of millions of visits.
- 203223 September 2032 · Anniversary
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia turns 100
On 23 September 2032, Saudi National Day marks 100 years since King Abdulaziz Al Saud proclaimed the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. A century after its founding, the Kingdom celebrates its journey from unification to a modern nation with a growing global role.