Written by Mathias Ghyoot (2025)

INtroduction

The King Abdulaziz Public Library is one of several public libraries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Established in 1985, the library consists of three branches today: (1) the Main Branch (al-Maktaba al-Raʾisiyya), (2) al-Murabba Branch, and (3) the Khurays Branch. While al-Murabba Branch and the Khurays Branch primarily hold recently published books in Arabic and English (approximately from the 1950s onwards), the Main Branch holds older material, including an impressive collection of documents, manuscripts, and rare books related to the history of Saudi Arabia as well as the wider Muslim world.

All three branches are open Saturday through Thursday from 8am to 8pm. But beware that the Administration of the Main Branch is only open for visitors on Sundays and Mondays from 8am to 3pm.

Location (al-Murabba Branch): Google Maps
Location (Khurays Branch): Google Maps
Location (Main Branch): Google Maps

GOING THERE

Going to al-Murabba Branch or the Khurays Branch is straightforward: either grab a taxi or take the Blue Metro Line to the “Passport Department” Station, which is in walking distance to al-Murabba Branch (right next to the National Museum).

Finding your way to the Main Branch is a bit trickier: it’s located behind the Khurays Branch, so first grab a taxi to Khurays. But don’t enter the Khurays Branch; instead, walk about one hundred meter north towards the King Abdullah Documentation Center. The Main Branch is located right to the King Abdullah Documentation Center.

GETTING IN

Nothing is required to access both al-Murabba Branch and the Khurays Branch: simply enter the building and fill out your name in the registrar at the Information Desk.

Access to the Main Branch is more complicated, and requires prior approval from the Administration (Idara). Upon entering the lobby of the Main Branch, head to the Reception Desk and ask to see an employee of the Administration. You will need to prepare print-outs of (1) your resume/statement of purpose (khitab), (2) proof of university affiliation, and (3) a cover letter detailing the items that you wish to consult (put the shelf mark numbers), including the period from which your material dates. Obtaining approval can take between a week and up to a month depending on the nature of the requested material.

Finding your material

There is an online catalogue (can be accessed onsite as well) which combines the collections of al-Murraba Branch, the Khurays Branch, and the Main Branch.

As for the manuscript collection of the King Abdulaziz Public Library, there is an offline catalogue available on designated computers onsite at both al-Murraba Branch, the Khurays Branch, and the Main Branch.

Ordering your material

At al-Murraba Branch and the Khurays Branch, simply note down the shelfmarks listed on the online catalogue, yet beware to check the branch location of your material as some of it may be located at a different branch (there seems to be no system as to why some material is located at al-Murabba Branch and other material at the Khurays Branch). With your shelfmark in hand, head to the “User’s Service Desk” and ask a librarian to fetch your material for you. Once you have your material, you’re free to peruse it in the Main Reading Rooms.

At the Main Branch, you need to order your material when you place your request for access (see above under "Getting In”). Once your request has been approved, you’ll be informed via either email or phone; then you can return to the location of the Main Branch. Here, your previously requested materials will be available for your perusal in the Main Reading Room.

Ordering scans

At al-Murraba Branch and the Khurays Branch, there seems to be no official policy on reproductions, and there were several people openly photographing books with their phones. However, if you want more official reproductions, there is an onsite “Photocopy Office” where, for a fee, you can request photocopies of books.

Again, things are more complicated at the Main Branch. Here, if you’re interested in reproductions, you’ll have to fill out an official form stating the material that you wish to be reproduced and pay a symbolic fee. Processing time can take anywhere to a few days up to months, depending on the material in question.

Food and well-being

At both al-Murraba Branch and the Khurays Branch, there is a cafe inside the lobby where you can buy light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. At the Main Branch, you’ll need to go to the cafe inside the Khurays Branch.