Riyadh library safeguards Arab, Islamic heritage

The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing Arab and Islamic heritage. Its extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts offers invaluable insights into Arab and Islamic civilization.

With over 3 million books and a growing digital archive, the library is a leading resource for researchers, scholars, and students worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Since opening in 1987, the library has prioritized digitization for accessibility and preservation. It has published extensively on the Kingdom’s history and that of the broader Arab and Islamic world, while also hosting international seminars on heritage.

The Arabic Union Catalog, an online platform launched by the library, supports research and cultural exploration. The library houses over 8,000 manuscripts, 32,000 rare books, and 700 ancient maps, including Latin versions of Arabian Peninsula maps from 1482.

Its holdings also include 7,600 rare coins and a vast photographic archive with works by renowned photographers.

The library’s commitment to Islamic heritage includes preserving over 350 rare copies of the Holy Qur’an. Exhibitions showcasing these treasures are a key part of its outreach efforts.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the King Abdulaziz Public Library continues to innovate. By digitizing its collections and hosting exhibitions globally, the library is not only preserving the past but also shaping the future of cultural understanding.