The King Abdulaziz private library holds one of the most important collections of rare books and manuscripts in Saudi Arabia. It once occupied the first floor of Al-Murabba Palace, later moved to King Saud University, known then as Riyadh University, and finally settled at the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) in Riyadh, where it remains.
How King Abdulaziz built the collection
During the unification of Saudi Arabia, the Founding King asked people across the country about rare works they held in religious sciences, history and literature. He then sent representatives to negotiate purchases, or to have the books copied where owners would not sell.
The result was a working library rather than a display. Scholars and writers drew on it directly, borrowing what they needed for their own research.
What the King Abdulaziz private library contains
Islamic sciences take the largest share. Works on the Quran, Hadith, jurisprudence, principles of religion, and the Prophet’s biography account for roughly one third of the holdings. History is covered by five collections spanning Arab and Islamic history across different eras, along with the histories of Asian, African and European countries.
Arabic literature is the other pillar. Collections of pre-Islamic and modern poetry make up close to one fifth of the library. Beyond that sit major reference works, early printed books, and material on politics, international law, biography, medicine, education, economics, military sciences and equestrian sports.
Rare items in the King Abdulaziz private library
- A copy of “Sahih al-Bukhari fi Ahadith Rasul Allah al-Bari”, printed in Delhi in 1855
- The manuscript “Nihayat al-Raghib fi Sharh ‘Arud Ibn al-Hajib”, also known as “Al-Maqsad al-Jalil fi ‘Ilm al-Khalil”
- Books printed in the earliest decades of Arabic printing
Where to see it
The collection is held at the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) in Riyadh. Readers interested in the Founding King’s personal possessions can also explore his rare cars and the residence at Al-Murabba Historical Palace, the library’s original home.
Key takeaways
- Started as the personal library of King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.
- Islamic sciences form about a third of the holdings; poetry nearly a fifth.
- Now housed at Darah in Riyadh.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the library today?
At the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) in Riyadh.
Where was it originally kept?
On the first floor of Al-Murabba Palace, before moving to King Saud University.
What is its oldest noted printed book?
A copy of Sahih al-Bukhari printed in Delhi in 1855.
Access arrangements and archival services are handled by the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah).
