SaudiDialect
NewsLetter
February
Founding Day Edition
In this issue, we celebrate Saudi Founding Day, a moment that reflects the rich history, culture, and traditions of Saudi Arabia. Understanding the Saudi dialect is not only about learning words, but also about connecting with the culture, stories, and people behind the language.
In this newsletter, you will explore Saudi heritage, traditional expressions, cultural insights, and inspiring Saudi figures.
Our goal is to help learners experience the Saudi dialect within its true cultural context, from history and traditions to everyday conversations in Saudi society. By learning the language alongside its cultural background, students gain a deeper understanding of how the Saudi dialect is naturally used in real life.
Jareesh: The King of Traditional Saudi Dishes
Jareesh is one of the most well-known traditional dishes in Saudi cuisine, especially in the Najd region. It has been part of the Saudi table for generations and is appreciated for its warm, creamy texture and rich flavor that reflects the authenticity of traditional Saudi cooking.
The dish is mainly prepared from cracked wheat (jareesh), which is slowly cooked with water and onions over low heat until the grains soften and the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Milk is then added to give the dish its signature smooth consistency. It is typically finished with ghee or butter on top and seasoned with salt and light spices, creating a comforting and balanced flavor.
In 2023, the Culinary Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia officially adopted Jareesh as the national dish of the Kingdom. The dish is often referred to as the “Master of Dishes,” highlighting its cultural importance and long-standing presence in Saudi culinary heritage. Today, Jareesh remains a symbol of hospitality and tradition in Saudi homes and gatherings.
Cultural Cue
Jareesh
✎𓂃 1727: The Beginning of the Saudi State
A Quick Historical Lesson
Saudi Founding Day is celebrated on February 22 each year. It marks the beginning of the First Saudi State, founded in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in Diriyah.t.
The First Saudi State (Diriyah)
The first Saudi state began when Imam Muhammad bin Saud established leadership in Diriyah in 1727.
Started by:
Imam Muhammad bin Saud
Ended with:
Imam Abdullah bin Saud
The Second Saudi State
After the fall of the first Saudi state, leadership returned with the establishment of the Second Saudi State in Riyadh.
Started by:
Imam Turki bin Abdullah
Ended with:
Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal bin Turki
The Third Saudi State (Modern Saudi Arabia)
The modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified by King Abdulaziz.
Saudi Founding Day reminds people of the long history of leadership, unity, and progress in Saudi Arabia. From the first imam in Diriyah to the modern Kingdom, the Saudi state has continued to grow and develop for more than three centuries.
✎𓂃 Saudi Famous Figure: Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi
Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi (1940–2010) was a prominent Saudi intellectual, diplomat, and writer. He served in several key government roles, including Minister of Labor and Ambassador to the United Kingdom. In addition to his political career, he was widely respected for his literary works and thoughtful writings on society, leadership, and development. His ideas often emphasized the importance of knowledge, education, and ethical responsibility in building strong societies.
“The path to development begins with education, continues with education, and ends with education. In short, it is the first and the last word in the story of development.” — Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi
| Arabic | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| الطريق إلى التنمية | aṭ-ṭarīq ilā at-tanmiyah | The path to development |
| يمر أولاً بالتعليم | yamurr awwalan bi at-ta‘līm | begins first with education |
| وثانياً بالتعليم | wa thāniyan bi at-ta‘līm | second with education |
| وثالثاً بالتعليم | wa thālithan bi at-ta‘līm | and third with education |
Learning about influential Saudi figures helps language learners connect with the cultural and intellectual context behind the Saudi dialect. Through voices like Dr. Al-Gosaibi, learners can better understand the values, ideas, and perspectives that shape communication in Saudi society, something we aim to share at SaudiDialect.com.
Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi
| Arabic | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| باختصار | bi-ikhtiṣār | In short |
| هو الكلمة الأولى | huwa al-kalimah al-ūlā | it is the first word |
| والأخيرة | wa al-akhīrah | and the last |
| في ملحمة التنمية | fī malḥamat at–tanmiyah | in the story of development |
╰┈➤At SaudiDialect Online Course, every lesson has color–coded words, supported by audio and video to help you learn and remember words more easily. Interactive exercises and feedback are also included to guide your progress and reinforce your learning.
Ramadan Mubarak
Common Ramadan Phrases in Saudi Dialect
During the month of Ramadan, people in Saudi Arabia often use special greetings and expressions when meeting family, friends, and neighbors. These phrases reflect the spirit of the month, including kindness, hospitality, and prayer for acceptance of fasting.
| Arabic Phrase | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| رمضان مبارك | Ramadan Mubarak | Blessed Ramadan |
| كل عام وأنتم بخير | Kul ‘aam wa antum bikhair | Wishing you well every year |
| تقبل الله منا ومنكم | Taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum | May Allah accept from us and you |
| الله يتقبل صيامكم | Allah yetqabbal siyamakum | May Allah accept your fasting |
| فطوركم جاهز | Ftoorkum jahiz | Your iftar is ready |
| Arabic Phrase | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| حياك الله على الفطور | Hayyak Allah ‘ala al-ftoor | Welcome to join us for iftar |
| باقي كم دقيقة على الأذان | Baqi kam daqiqah ‘ala al-adhan | How many minutes until the call to prayer |
| لا تنسى السحور | La tansa al-suhoor | Don’t forget suhoor |
| الله يعين على الصيام | Allah y‘een ‘ala al-siyam | May Allah give us strength to fast |
| الله يبلغنا رمضان | Allah yballighna Ramadan | May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan |
╰┈➤ Learn more real-life expressions like these inside the SaudiDialect Online Course, where every lesson includes audio, video, exercises, and feedback to help you master the Saudi dialect step by step
Sounds of Heritage: Traditional Instruments That Shaped Celebrations in Arabia
Throughout the history of the Arabian Peninsula, celebrations were never defined by words alone. Music and rhythm have always played an important role in gatherings, festivals, and social occasions. Traditional instruments helped create the atmosphere of joy, unity, and storytelling that characterized many community events.
Although these instruments are simple in construction, they carry deep cultural meaning. For generations, their sounds accompanied poetry, dances, and important moments in everyday life, making them a living part of the region’s cultural identity.
The Rababah: The Voice of Stories
The rababah is considered one of the oldest string instruments used in the region. It is typically made from a wooden frame covered with animal skin and fitted with a single string played with a bow.
Historically, poets and storytellers used the rababah to accompany their verses. Its soft and often melancholic tone added emotion to spoken poetry and oral storytelling. In Bedouin gatherings, the sound of the rababah often filled the majlis while stories of history, bravery, and life in the desert were shared.
Because of this connection with poetry and narrative, the rababah became closely associated with cultural memory and traditional storytelling.
What Happened This Month
Ramadan Spirit of Giving: Saudi National Charity Campaign Receives Massive Support
Saudi Arabia’s National Charity Campaign, launched through the Ehsan platform, began its sixth edition this Ramadan after receiving approval from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The campaign reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to supporting charitable work and encouraging generosity during the holy month of Ramadan. The campaign started with generous donations from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, totaling 70 million Saudi riyals.
Their contributions highlight the leadership’s continued support for humanitarian efforts and social responsibility in the Kingdom. On its first day alone, the campaign received remarkable public participation. Donations quickly exceeded 646 million riyals, collected through more than 1.8 million donation transactions.
This strong response reflects the deep culture of giving and charity within Saudi society.
The campaign remains open for donations during the entire month of Ramadan, allowing individuals and organizations to contribute and support those in need across Saudi Arabia.
This strong participation reflects the deep spirit of generosity that is rooted in Saudi society, especially during the holy month of Ramadan when acts of charity are greatly encouraged. It also reflects the meaning of the Quranic verse: “You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love.” (Qur’an 3:92). Through such acts of giving, the values of compassion, solidarity, and community support continue to grow across the Kingdom.
HAPPENED
THIS
February
Society News
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