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On Feb. 22 �������� will observe Founding Day for the first time as it marks the establishment of this Saudi state in 1727.
Although it might seem merely to proclaim the extended history of the current governance, the royal decree that assigns this date as a national celebration expresses the significance of the historical roots of establishing this country.
For a long time, both internally and externally, it was commonly perceived that the origin of this country is related to what is called the “agreement” between the head of Diriyah and Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab, a religious cleric known for his reformative understanding of Islam.
This perception entirely overlooks the fact that there was an existing “state” in which Abdulwahab sought refuge, and pursued support for his call of religious reformation. This reforming call, along with his own life, was seriously threatened, by other tribal and regional rulers in Arabia.
At that time, Imam Mohammed bin Saud, the founder of Saudi state, was inspired to establish a system in the heart of Arabia that would promote development, prosperity and secure commerce.
As soon as he became the ruler in 1727, he began establishing the state from Diriyah that would eventually unify different regions of Arabia in one country, and unite its diverse people, tribal and non-tribal, into one nation.
This reading of the establishment of this country, stated in the royal decree, proves that the Saudi state was there long before the support of reformation.
In his televised interview last May, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared that the rule of Saudi house has been there for almost three centuries, which was manifested by the recent royal decree.
Despite a couple of hiatuses caused by external powers, the Saudi state managed to bring together a solid nation out of dispersed and rival clans that had existed for centuries. The persistence of the leading family who gained the loyalty of Arabia’s people pushed back these aggressive attacks by outsiders, and the Saudi state has risen every time stronger and more sustained.
However, as the royal decree reaffirmed, the Saudi state — with the wisdom of its leaders and their strong ties with their fellow citizens — continues to secure unity and stability.
When it comes to development, both socially and economically, the Kingdom represents a unique case of balance that improves its people’s quality of life, while also preserving and maintaining their cultural and social norms. It was not without struggle that Saudi leaders and people harmonized the practice of Islamic values and modern lifestyle, creating a contrasting model to extremists’ imaginative war between Islam and modernity.
Needless to say, Founding Day celebrates the triumph of civil state over theocracy, tribalism, militarism and extremism. It symbolizes the possibility of a long-lasting political system where trust and loyalty from the people align with commitment and devotion from their leaders. It exemplifies valid alternatives for “fuggy” democracy with a just and stable system that maintains prosperity, development and unity while balancing modernity with traditions and culture.

• Dr. Husam Zaman is a former president of the Education Evaluation Commission and a member of King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah)’s executive committee.