Saudi Arabia’s unique relationship between its people and leaders

Since its unification in 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia erupts in vibrant celebration every year on Sept. 23 for the country’s National Day.

More than just a date on the calendar, this day embodies the cohesion, unity, progress, sacrifices of past generations, and enduring spirit of the Saudi people.

The nation’s citizens may not all know each other personally, but they are united by a shared sense of belonging, pride in national achievements, and trust in the Kingdom’s leadership.

Indeed, many see this strong national identity among the Saudi people as the greatest accomplishment of the country’s leadership. To understand this unique relationship, we need to look to the past.

The strong bond between Saudi Arabia’s leaders and its people predates the formal establishment of the modern nation in 1932. It can be traced to 1727 when Imam Mohammed bin Saud founded the first state, laying the groundwork for an enduring connection that his descendants would carry forward.

This legacy raises an important question that has emerged in the last few years: Why does the Kingdom have greater stability than other countries in the Middle East?

The nation’s citizens are united by a shared sense of belonging and trust in the Kingdom’s leadership.

The answer might be found in the words of the late Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal in an interview with American journalist Charlie Rose. When reflecting on the unique history of the Kingdom, Prince Saud noted that the ruling family returned to power three times.

Prince Saud said: “If we (the House of Saud) did not serve a purpose for the Saudi people, we would be like any other family disappearing from the scene. But we remain because we serve the people of Saudi Arabia.”

This commitment to the people of the Kingdom is evident in the ambitious Vision 2030 plan spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which seeks to ensure that Saudi Arabia’s success story — politically and economically — continues well into the future.

The crown prince’s bold leadership, coupled with the unbreakable bond between the royal family and the Saudi people, is the driving force behind this continued success. This unity forms the bedrock upon which Saudi Arabia’s achievements are built, which is highlighted on Sept. 23 every year.

This is how King Abdulaziz unified the Kingdom, establishing the era known as Saudi Arabia III and laying the groundwork for the modern nation. Vision 2030, widely considered the embodiment of a revitalized national spirit, aims to propel Saudi Arabia into a future defined by progress and prosperity.

This parallel between King Abdulaziz’s founding vision and the crown prince’s revitalizing ambition highlights the potent force of Saudi Arabia’s national spirit.

It is a force evident not just on National Day but every day, underscoring an unbroken chain of commitment to a common national destiny.

• Nasser bin Hamed Al-Ahmad is a political analyst. X: @nasseralahmad3