Saudi Arabia’s Historical Depth Spotlighted at Riyadh International Book Fair 2025

At the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025, historian Dr. Saad Al-Arifi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s deep historical roots and continuity of leadership, stressing that the Al Saud family has ruled the region for nearly three centuries. His remarks came during a seminar titled “Reading the National History of the Kingdom: From Foundation to Vision,” held at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
Al-Arifi underlined that the First Saudi State, founded in 1727, predates many of today’s modern nations. He noted that while U.S. independence was declared in 1776 and the French Revolution took place in 1789, the Saudi state had already been established decades earlier. German and Italian unifications came even later, in the 19th century. These comparisons, he said, show that Saudi Arabia’s foundations are not recent, but firmly rooted in world history.
“The Kingdom’s three-hundred-year story is not incidental—it reflects a depth of continuity and resilience,” Al-Arifi said. “Saudi Arabia emerged as a state before many of the great powers of the modern era, and its legacy continues to shape its present and future.”
During his lecture, Al-Arifi also revisited the significance of Diriyah, founded in the 15th century, as the birthplace of the Saudi state. He described it as a historic center that united scattered communities, secured pilgrimage and trade routes, and became a national symbol that still resonates today. He further recalled the turning point of 1902, when King Abdulaziz recaptured Riyadh—a moment he described as the beginning of the modern Saudi state that culminated in unification in 1932.
He also pointed to enduring national symbols, including the Saudi flag, the only flag in the world never lowered because it carries the Islamic declaration of faith. Al-Arifi linked these traditions to Vision 2030, calling the reform agenda a “natural continuation” of Saudi history, built on strong heritage while embracing innovation, technology, and global engagement.
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 runs from October 2 to 11 under the theme “Riyadh Reads.” Organized by the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, the event hosts more than 2,000 publishers and features seminars, cultural programs, and opportunities for readers to connect with writers and thinkers from Saudi Arabia and abroad.