What to wear on Saudi Founding Day and Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia has two national days, and they call for different looks. Founding Day, on 22 February, celebrates the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727, and people mark it in heritage dress from their own regions. National Day, on 23 September, celebrates the unification of the Kingdom in 1932, and the colours are green and white. Neither has a formal dress code, but both have strong customs. Here is what each day means and what to wear.

What is the difference between Founding Day and National Day?

They mark two different beginnings.

• Founding Day (22 February) marks the day in 1727 when Imam Muhammad bin Saud became ruler of Diriyah and began the First Saudi State, according to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. King Salman made it an annual official holiday by royal order in January 2022, and it was first celebrated that February.
• National Day (23 September) marks the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz in 1932. It has been a public holiday for much longer and is the bigger, louder celebration of the two.

Because Founding Day goes back to the state's origins nearly three centuries ago, it leans strongly towards heritage: old costumes, old crafts and the story of Diriyah, the town where the First Saudi State began.

What do people wear on Founding Day?

Traditional dress from their own region. For the first Founding Day in 2022, Arab News reported that the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority encouraged people to wear traditional costumes and represent their regions, and the crowds at Boulevard Riyadh City did exactly that.

The article describes the range: a white dress and head veil from the western region that a Madinah resident said her grandmothers wore at weddings and baby showers; a silver-based outfit from a village near Abha in Asir, where gold was less common; jasmine-decorated pieces inspired by Jazan; a white and gold dress inspired by Madinah and Taif; and heirloom silver necklaces borrowed from mothers.

A 2023 Arab News feature on Diriyah's traditional dress describes the al-moassamah, a women's abaya from the central region made of sheep's wool, decorated with buttons and braids in black silk or gold thread, and worn over the head and shoulders to the ground.

How can you dress for Founding Day without a family costume?

Not everyone has an heirloom dress, and many people celebrating are residents rather than Saudis. A heritage-inspired look is welcome, as long as it is respectful.

• Choose a traditional silhouette: a long, loose kaftan or a jalabiya-style dress with embroidery at the neck, cuffs and hem.
• Borrow the palette of a region: deep reds, greens and black with gold for Najdi-inspired looks, white and gold for the Hijaz, and bright colours with silver for the south.
• Use jewellery as the heritage element: silver, coins or a statement necklace says "heritage" more clearly than a costume.
• Keep it modest and comfortable, because Founding Day events are mostly outdoors, at festivals, parades and markets.
• Plan your shoes. Heritage districts such as Diriyah have uneven paths and long walks between venues, so flat sandals or low block heels work better than stilettos under a long skirt.
• Avoid costume-shop versions of specific tribal or regional dress. A heritage-inspired outfit is a tribute; a caricature is not.

For the different traditional garments, see our guide to the abaya, kaftan, jalabiya and thobe.

Founding Day 2027 falls in Ramadan: what changes?

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February, according to astronomical forecasts reported by Gulf News, which places Founding Day, Monday 22 February 2027, in the middle of the fasting month.

That is likely to move celebrations towards the evening, after iftar, and to keep them quieter and more family-centred. For what you wear, it means:

• Dress for the evening: a heritage-inspired kaftan works for both an iftar gathering and a Founding Day event afterwards.
• Lean modest: Ramadan dress codes are more conservative, especially in public spaces and malls.
• Check event times: organisers usually announce adjusted Ramadan schedules a few weeks ahead.

Our guide to the Ramadan iftar and suhoor dress code covers what to wear through the month.

What do people wear on National Day?

Green and white, the colours of the flag. Cities are dressed in green lights and banners, and many people match them. Gulf News has reported shops selling abayas printed with patriotic phrases for National Day, which proved popular with shoppers, and universities such as KAUST invite staff and students to come in traditional dress or green outfits.

• A green abaya or kaftan, or a black abaya with green embroidery or trim.
• A white outfit with green accessories: a green shayla, belt or bag.
• Traditional dress, as on Founding Day, is also common.
• Children are often dressed in green and white, sometimes with the flag printed on a scarf or cap.

The flag carries the Islamic declaration of faith, so avoid wearing it as a garment, sitting on it or letting it touch the ground; flag-coloured clothing without the inscription is the usual choice. National Day 2027 falls on Thursday 23 September.

What about official events and galas?

Both days bring receptions, corporate events and hotel galas. For these, dress as you would for any formal Saudi evening, then add a nod to the day.

• For an official reception, Princess Nourah University's guidance on dress at official ceremonies asks women to wear modest clothing and avoid excessive accessories, which is a good rule for any government or institutional event.
• For a hotel gala, a long-sleeved evening gown or a beaded kaftan in emerald, deep green or white and gold suits both days.
• For a corporate event, a smart abaya with a green or heritage detail is always appropriate.

Our guide to what to wear to a corporate gala in Dubai or Riyadh covers formal evening dress codes in more detail.

Where Lianora fits

Lianora supplies kaftans and evening dresses from established Turkish ateliers, delivered to Saudi Arabia and across the GCC in 10–15 days from the confirmed order, with customs duties and taxes paid by Lianora. For Founding Day on 22 February 2027, order by early February; for National Day, by early September. Browse the Arabic collection for embroidered kaftans, and read delivery and returns before you order.