Our National Narrative on Our National Day
For an observer of today’s national scene, one sees a Saudi national narrative being presented across all fields, reflecting the level of Saudi awareness of their nation’s history, present, and future. The importance of the national narrative lies in its ability to unite and dissolve differences within an inclusive national framework. It would be inaccurate to assume that the national narrative is concerned solely with history and the past; while it is indeed built upon that past—its events, stories, details, and figures—the national narrative also has its forward-looking dimension. Thus, we may define the Saudi national narrative as the grand Saudi story embraced by our society to interpret its history, solidify its identity, and strengthen its people’s sense of belonging. This narrative encompasses accounts of our pivotal national historical events, our national symbols, our core values, and our shared vision for the future.
Our national narrative comprises two essential and complementary dimensions: its historical aspect and its future-oriented aspect. In 1139 AH, Imam Muhammad bin Saud—may God have mercy on him—founded the First Saudi State, which arose from Dir‘iyah as the first polity to fill the political vacuum that the Arabian Peninsula had endured since the fall of the Rashidun Caliphate in 40 AH. This state secured safety, justice, and peace for its citizens and surroundings, applied Islam, and spread awareness for nearly a century. The Second Saudi State was then established by Imam Turki bin Abdullah in 1240 AH, emerging from Riyadh to carry on this role until 1309 AH. In 1319 AH, the Falcon of Arabia, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud—may God have mercy on him—entered Riyadh, launching the most important unification project the region had ever witnessed in reclaiming the rule of his forefathers. This project continued for more than thirty years and was crowned, by the grace of God, with the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1351 AH (1932 CE). Today, we celebrate the ninety-fifth anniversary of that unification.
These three centuries of rich history—with their events, details, and figures—represent the historical dimension of our national narrative. This is paralleled by our future-oriented dimension: Saudi Vision 2030. This vision has linked our glorious past with our promising future, completing the facets of our national narrative. Vision 2030 has brought about development in all political, economic, and social spheres, while also fostering intellectual transformation within Saudi society. One of the most significant aspects of this transformation has been the building of the Saudi national narrative itself.
