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Saudi Arabia Celebrates Founding Day, Marking its Establishment 300 Years Ago

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Celebrates Founding Day, Marking its Establishment 300 Years Ago

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is celebrating Founding Day on Wednesday. The anniversary was announced by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz in 2022 and will be marked annually on February 22.

The day commemorates the Kingdom’s founding by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in February 1727. King Salman stressed that the occasion is a source of pride in the founding of the Saudi state that has consolidated the foundations of peace and stability. The day is an occasion to celebrate the history of the state, harmony of its people, their steadfastness against all challenges and hopes for the future.

Founding Day celebrates Saudi Arabia’s long history and heroes. It is a day to remember centuries of development, growth, progress and prosperity. Today, the Kingdom has taken its place as a major player in the international arena, playing an influential role in political, economic and social affairs.

Researchers and historians attest to the strength of the Saudi state throughout the centuries. They stress that the ambitions of its rulers knew no limits, citing their achievement of justice and equality, the defeat of division and approval of laws that laid the foundations of the state.

They benefitted from the city state of Diriyah that existed 600 years ago. Diriyah marked the starting point for the foundation of the Saudi state three centuries ago when Imam Mohammed established a strong state that imposed its influence throughout most of the Arabian Peninsula. In fact, its rulers’ ambitions extended further east towards India where the British were present.

Diriyah had to contend with the “Ottoman caliphate” that was ruling the region at the time. The Ottomans saw a rival in the Saudi state and worked relentlessly to destroy it and its capital, Diriyah. Indeed, the First Saudi State was defeated by foreign forces, but rose up again, only to be defeated by internal conflicts.

It wasn’t until almost over a century ago that King Abdulaziz managed to restore unity and form the Third Saudi State that is more powerful and fortified than ever before.

Imam Mohammed (1679-1765) was born in Diriyah. He dedicated his life to the Saudi state that stretched throughout most of the Arabian Peninsula and reached as far as Iraq and the Sham region.

He was succeeded by his son, Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Saud, who is considered as one of the greatest rulers of the Arabian Peninsula. He is remembered for his military skill and strong management of the state, which he helped expand to the Najd, al-Ahsa and Asir regions and parts of the Arabian Gulf.

His armies fought campaigns against the Ottomans and they peacefully entered the holy city of Makkah in 1803.

He was succeeded by his son Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed. He further expanded the influence of the state and carried out reforms, but did not expand its borders much beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

He succeeded in uniting the Hijaz tribes, alarming the Ottomans, who kicked off hostile campaigns to defeat the Saudi state. Imam Saud was succeeded by his son Abdullah who waged seven years of war against the Ottomans, who came out as the victors, leading to the demise of the First Saudi State.

After a period of chaos, Imam Turki bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Saud succeeded in 1824 in reclaiming Riyadh and expelling hostile Ottoman forces. He founded the Second Saudi State that came to an end in 1891 with Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal’s defeat in Riyadh in 1891.

In 1902, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman recaptured Riyadh and announced the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, laying the foundation of the third state.

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Gulf

How Gulf States View War Outlook, US-Iran Talks

Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
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How Gulf States View War Outlook, US-Iran Talks

Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)

Gulf Cooperation Council countries, under sustained Iranian attack, are closely tracking indirect US-Iran talks that Pakistan said on Thursday it is facilitating by relaying messages between the two sides.

Data monitored by Asharq Al-Awsat showed that by Wednesday evening, about 83% of Iran’s missile and drone attacks since the war entered its fourth week had targeted Gulf Arab states, compared with 17% aimed at Israel.

The tally recorded 4,391 missiles and drones striking Gulf countries, hitting critical infrastructure and civilian sites, versus 930 launched at Israel, which is leading the war.

Shaping the next phase

Gulf states on Thursday began to outline their stance on any negotiations over the conflict’s future.

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said the bloc must be included “in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis,” to safeguard security and prevent further attacks.

He rejected any frameworks, initiatives, or regional arrangements aimed at reshaping the Middle East after this conflict ends, underscoring Gulf insistence on a role in defining the region’s next phase.

Diplomacy first

Albudaiwi said international law allows states multiple options under the UN Charter, but stressed that the most rational and effective option is the diplomatic and political one.

Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, a political analyst specializing in US affairs, said Gulf states view US-Iran talks with cautious realism.

They do not oppose negotiations, but want outcomes that address what they see as the core threat, not only Iran’s nuclear program, but also its ballistic missiles and regional influence in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq.

A joint statement by five Gulf states and Jordan on Wednesday condemned attacks by Iran-aligned factions in Iraq on regional countries and infrastructure. It urged Baghdad to act immediately to halt such attacks launched from its territory and avoid further escalation.

Trust frays

Al-Ibrahim said Gulf confidence in both sides is limited. That view was reinforced by remarks from the Saudi foreign minister last week that “trust in Iran has been shattered.”

Al-Budaiwi said GCC states were surprised by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and had made clear they would not take part in military action or allow their territory to be used against Iran.

Despite that, Tehran still carried out what he described as a “treacherous attack” on GCC states.

He expects Gulf countries to pursue a dual track, backing de-escalation while strengthening defenses and expanding security partnerships. The Gulf, he said, rejects “incomplete deals” that fail to change Iran’s behavior or ensure regional security.

Seat at the table

Gulf security specialist Dhafer Al-Ajmi said GCC participation in any US-Iran talks on regional security is a “sovereign right,” not a request.

“We will not accept having our future shaped in our absence. Our seat at the table is the only guarantee for real and lasting peace,” he said.

Al-Ajmi said Gulf states have borne the brunt of the war’s costs and tensions. Their participation, he said, aims to secure binding guarantees to protect livelihoods and stability.

Any deal that ignores sovereignty and non-interference would be “incomplete and doomed to fail.”

Political analyst Ibrahim Raihan said Gulf states, while showing “wisdom” in handling the crisis, support de-escalation in principle. But he said the root problem remains Iran’s conduct, particularly violations of Gulf sovereignty, despite efforts before the war to avert conflict.

Three demands

Raihan said both Iran and Israel are seeking to widen the war. He outlined three priorities for any negotiations: de-escalation, guarantees to protect shipping routes, and a clear Iranian apology to neighboring Arab states for violations of their sovereignty.

Separately, the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states as “egregious” and called on Tehran to provide swift compensation to those affected.

Gulf

Albudaiwi: Regional Arrangements Excluding Gulf States Are Rejected

Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
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Albudaiwi: Regional Arrangements Excluding Gulf States Are Rejected

Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi on Thursday called for Gulf states to be included in talks or agreements to resolve the crisis between Iran and the US and Israel.

“We stress the importance of involving GCC countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability,” said Albudaiwi.

He added that the bloc rejected “any arrangements intended to redraw the map of the Middle East after the conflict ends.”

He said the GCC’s first choice was a diplomatic and political solution, describing it as “the wisest and most successful option,” while noting that Gulf states were reviewing all options in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Speaking in Riyadh to Arab and foreign ambassadors, Albudaiwi urged partners to send a unified international message to Iran demanding an immediate and unconditional halt to attacks on GCC states.

He said the Gulf’s goal “has never been to destroy Iran or weaken it, but to reach a normal relationship based on mutual respect, non-interference and non-aggression.”

He rejected framing the situation as part of “Middle East complexities,” calling it “a blatant violation of international law” and “a systematic targeting” of states not involved in any conflict.

Albudaiwi said Gulf states would not accept becoming targets of aggression (GCC)

Albudaiwi said GCC states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability, a reliable energy source, and a responsible economic partner. But he said they would not accept becoming targets of aggression, arenas for regional rivalries, or seeing their citizens killed without accountability.

He said Iranian attacks over 25 days had exceeded 5,000 ballistic missiles and drones targeting GCC states.

Albudaiwi revealed that 85% of Iranian missiles launched in the war were aimed at Gulf states.

He praised Gulf air defenses for limiting the impact of the attacks, but said that this does not diminish the scale of the aggression or absolve Iran of full responsibility.

He said Iran had “crossed every line” by closing the Strait of Hormuz, blocking commercial ships and oil tankers, and imposing transit fees, in violation of international law.

He also cited repeated ship hijackings and attacks carried out through Iran’s regional proxies.

He warned that disruption to shipping would hit not only Gulf states but the global economy, especially as some countries face oil and gas shortages.

Albudaiwi explained that maritime passages are governed by international agreements, and no party can obstruct them or impose conditions.

The impact of closing the Strait of Hormuz may begin with higher energy prices, but its cumulative repercussions on the global economy, energy markets, marine insurance, and civil aviation would be catastrophic.

“What happens in the Strait of Hormuz does not stay in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

Albudaiwi said Gulf states were surprised by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, stressing they had made clear they would not take part in military action or allow their territory to be used against Iran, and had informed Tehran of that.

“Yet this position did not prevent it from attacking GCC states,” he said.

He said GCC states had shown restraint and chosen not to respond to avoid widening the conflict, and in the hope that Iran would come to its senses and stop these attacks.

He said Gulf states produce about 16 million barrels per day of crude oil, or 22% of global output, and account for 27% of global oil exports, or 11.5 million barrels per day.

They also hold 33% of global oil reserves and 21% of natural gas reserves.

These figures make the Gulf an indispensable pillar of the global economy, Albudaiwi affirmed, warning that any disruption would directly affect energy security and global economic stability.

Gulf

Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
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Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine arrived in Jeddah Thursday. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.

Zelenskiy said he would hold "important meetings" in the Kingdom as part of an effort to bolster ties with Middle East countries amid the Iran war.

"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate ⁠the support and support ‌those who ‌are ready to work ​with us ‌to ensure security," Zelenskyy wrote ‌on X.

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, accompanied Zelenskiy on the ‌visit.