Artists are seen during an “Ardah” dance performance in Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 22, 2025. The performance was held to celebrate this year's Saudi Founding Day, which falls on Feb. 22 every year to commemorate the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. (Xinhua/Luo Chen)
RIYADH, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Traditional dancing performances were staged in Riyadh on Saturday to mark the Saudi Founding Day, observed annually on February 22 to commemorate the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727.
The "Ardah" dance, which combines traditional chanting, swordplay, and rhythmic drums, was originally performed to motivate warriors.
In the Saudi capital Riyadh, celebrations also feature fireworks displays, heritage exhibitions, and music concerts, while parades, heritage markets, art exhibitions, and cultural seminars were held nationwide to mark the occasion.
Artists are seen during an “Ardah” dance performance in Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 22, 2025. The performance was held to celebrate this year's Saudi Founding Day, which falls on Feb. 22 every year to commemorate the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. (Xinhua/Luo Chen)
Artists are seen during an “Ardah” dance performance in Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 22, 2025. The performance was held to celebrate this year's Saudi Founding Day, which falls on Feb. 22 every year to commemorate the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. (Xinhua/Luo Chen)
Artists are seen during an “Ardah” dance performance in Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 22, 2025. The performance was held to celebrate this year's Saudi Founding Day, which falls on Feb. 22 every year to commemorate the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. (Xinhua/Luo Chen)
