Ministry of Interior Celebrates Founding Day by Revitalizing Historic Headquarters
Under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, the Ministry of Interior hosted a Ramadan evening as part of its distinctive “Makan Al-Tarikh” (Place of History) initiative. The event took place at the Ministry’s first headquarters in the capital, Riyadh, commemorating Founding Day. This marks the second consecutive year of the initiative’s efforts to revive historical sites associated with the Kingdom’s security work. The Ministry’s original headquarters, established in 1957, stands as a testament to successive stages of development and institutional work, being one of the first government buildings in Riyadh after the Ministry’s relocation from Makkah in 1952.
The celebratory cultural event, coinciding with Founding Day, saw broad community participation and attendance from officials and interested parties. A cultural ceremony was held in the building’s courtyards, featuring an immersive experience of the first administrative building’s environment, recalling pivotal moments in the Ministry’s history and organizational transformations. In an inaugural statement, the Ministry explained that this year, the “Makan Al-Tarikh” initiative chose its old headquarters to bear witness to the Founding Day celebrations, intertwining two themes: “Beginnings of the Past,” represented by the establishment of the First Saudi State, and “Beginnings of the Present,” embodied by the first government building in Riyadh. Both themes are united by the steadfast pillar of security, reflecting the State’s commitment to protecting its people, safeguarding their lives and property, and ensuring their well-being, aligning with Vision2030.
The initiative is part of the Ministry’s efforts to prepare and restore historical, archaeological, and heritage sites linked to its operations. This aims to preserve and protect locations associated with the evolution of security work and administrative organization in the Saudi State, serving as historical evidence of the security institution’s journey in consolidating security and stability and supporting the path of construction and development. The “Makan Al-Tarikh” team clarified that restoration work is carried out according to technical and engineering standards that respect the architectural and historical identity of the sites, thereby enhancing the concept of institutional memory and documenting the historical continuity of national institutions. The Ministry’s celebration of Founding Day through “Makan Al-Tarikh” carries national significance, reflecting the security institution’s connection to the roots of the First Saudi State and its continuous role in supporting national stability and enhancing developmental achievements, under the gracious patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The evening also featured a short film titled “Al-Daleelah,” produced by the Ministry of Interior, which recalled a story related to the responsibility of caring for pilgrims and securing routes in the First Saudi State, signifying the enduring message of security across generations. The event also included tours inside the historic building and a cultural experience showcasing Saudi culinary arts, with prominent national dishes presented by elite Saudi chefs.
