Written by Mathias Ghyoot (2025)

INtroduction

The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (commonly referred to as the Darah) is a public library and archive created under the auspices of the former Governor of Medina, Prince Faysal b. Salman Al Saud. Established in September 1972 through a royal decree by King Faysal, the Darah is primarily concerned with the preservation of documents and archives pertaining to King Abd al-Aziz, the first monarch of Saudi Arabia. However, the Darah also sports a wider collection, including manuscripts, documents, archives, photographs, and private libraries related to the history of Saudi Arabia specifically, and the wider Muslim world more generally.

The Darah is open Sunday through Thursday from 8am to 3pm.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

The Darah Complex is located in the historical district of al-Murabba, just next to the National Museum. Either grab an Uber or a Bolt, or take the metro to the newly established National Museum Station. Then head behind (or through) the National Museum and go to Building 3, which hosts the library and archives of the Darah.

GETTING IN

The Darah is open to the public, but it requires prior permission to access its library and archives. However, access can easily be obtained by filling out the formular on the official website. Typically, you’ll receive a permission by email a couple of days later, and you’re good to go. However, remember that access to specific archives can be restricted, requiring prior permission from a senior staff member of the Darah. You’re advised to first head to the Darah (by way of the official permission) and then initiate contact with the director of Researcher Services.

Within Building 3, the main library is located on the second floor while the so-called “Computer Room” (where you’ll access digitized archives) are located on the first floor, just past the Darah Bookstore.

Finding your material

As of January 2025, there is no online catalog. You’ll have to go physically to the Darah and use the onsite catalogs in either the library or the “Computer Room.” They differ slightly in layout, but basically contains the same information, although the catalog accessible in the “Computer Room” seems more modern and updated, and also contains more archival material. You’ll need a user and password to access the catalog in the “Computer Room” (not in the library), but registration is easy and the staff helpful.

Ordering your material

Impressively, almost all material at the Darah (including books, photographs, some documents, and archives) have either been digitized or are in the process of being digitized. This means that most items will be viewable directly on the computers. If some material (often archival material) has not yet been digitized, or if you wish to see the physical material, you need to place a request with the director of the Researcher Services. Physical material will then typically be shown in the meeting room just next to the Darah Bookstore.

Ordering scans

Ordering reproductions is easy at the Darah. Simply fill out the formular (either at the computers onsite or at home) and pay the small fee at the Darah. Processing time is quick and typically takes a couple of days. With books, beware that you can only require reproductions of 25% of each book.

Food and well-being

There are no cafes or restaurants at the Darah. However, there is a small coffee shop inside the National Museum. Otherwise, take a short walk to the nearby Starbucks.

Additional remarks

There is a great museum in Building 1 of the Darah, pertaining to the life and work of King Abd al-Aziz.