KFCRIS and Al Quaraouiyine University Sign Manuscript Heritage Agreement

The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, Morocco, on October 30, 2026, to strengthen scientific collaboration in preserving, cataloging, editing, and safeguarding Arabic and Islamic manuscript heritage. The agreement was signed during a visit by Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KFCRIS, to the historic Al Quaraouiyine Library, accompanied by Amal Jallal, President of the University of Al Quaraouiyine. The visit underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting Islamic intellectual heritage and fostering academic partnerships that align with the cultural objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

How significant is this partnership for the future of Islamic scholarship? The collaboration between KFCRIS and Al Quaraouiyine University represents a strategic effort to safeguard centuries of manuscript heritage. The Al Quaraouiyine Library, one of the oldest and most prestigious centers of learning in the Islamic world, houses a vast collection of rare manuscripts that chronicle the development of Islamic thought, science, and culture. By joining forces, the two institutions aim to ensure these invaluable resources are preserved for future generations and made accessible to researchers worldwide. This agreement not only highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in cultural preservation but also reinforces the deep historical ties between the Kingdom and Morocco.

Context and Background

What makes the Al Quaraouiyine Library a treasure trove of Islamic heritage? Founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, the University of Al Quaraouiyine is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Its library, established centuries ago, has been a beacon of knowledge, attracting scholars from across the Islamic world. The library’s collection includes thousands of manuscripts covering diverse fields such as theology, law, medicine, astronomy, and literature. Many of these manuscripts are unique and irreplaceable, offering insights into the intellectual and cultural history of the Islamic civilization.

The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, based in Riyadh, is a leading research institution dedicated to the study of Islamic civilization and contemporary issues. It houses approximately 30,000 original manuscripts and hosts the Arab Book Chair, the first research chair of its kind in the Arab world. KFCRIS has long been at the forefront of efforts to preserve and disseminate Islamic knowledge, making it a natural partner for Al Quaraouiyine University. The agreement signed in Fez builds on this shared mission, aiming to leverage the expertise of both institutions to enhance the preservation and study of manuscript heritage.

How does this partnership reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural diplomacy? The Kingdom has increasingly prioritized cultural heritage as a pillar of its international engagement. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its economy and promote cultural exchange, and this agreement exemplifies that approach. By supporting the cataloging and preservation of manuscripts at Al Quaraouiyine, KFCRIS is not only contributing to global scholarship but also strengthening ties with Morocco, a brotherly nation with a rich Islamic heritage. This collaboration is a testament to the Kingdom’s role as a custodian of Islamic culture and a promoter of moderate, enlightened values.

Key Details of the Agreement

What specific initiatives will this cooperation entail? During the visit, Prince Turki bin Faisal announced KFCRIS’s readiness to place its research expertise at the service of the Al Quaraouiyine Library. He expressed hope that the partnership would lead to joint academic initiatives, including cataloging and editing manuscripts, studying the history of the Arabic book, and exchanging expertise in preserving, safeguarding, and promoting manuscript heritage. A key focus will be supporting a project to catalog the manuscripts in the Al Quaraouiyine Library that have not yet been cataloged, with KFCRIS providing the necessary requirements to complete the project in coordination with the university.

Prince Turki bin Faisal emphasized that the initiative would make the library’s valuable manuscript holdings more accessible to researchers and open up wider opportunities for editing, studying, and drawing on their scholarly contents. He noted that KFCRIS houses around 30,000 original manuscripts, as well as the Arab Book Chair, which serves as a hub for research on the history of the Arabic book. The agreement also includes provisions for exchanging expertise in preservation techniques, such as restoration and maintenance, which are critical for ensuring the longevity of fragile manuscripts.

How will these efforts benefit the global research community? By cataloging and digitizing manuscripts, the project will facilitate access for scholars around the world, enabling new research and discoveries. The partnership will also foster collaboration between Saudi and Moroccan scholars, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange. The Al Quaraouiyine Library’s collection includes many manuscripts that have not been fully studied, and this initiative will unlock their potential for advancing Islamic studies. Furthermore, the agreement aligns with KFCRIS’s mission to promote research on Islamic civilization and to preserve its heritage for future generations.

International and Regional Impact

How does this agreement resonate beyond Saudi Arabia and Morocco? The partnership between KFCRIS and Al Quaraouiyine University is a significant step in the broader effort to preserve Islamic heritage, which is a shared responsibility of the global Muslim community. It sets a precedent for collaboration between research institutions in the Arab world, demonstrating the value of pooling resources and expertise. The agreement also highlights the role of Saudi Arabia as a leader in cultural preservation, reinforcing its position as a key player in international cultural diplomacy.

What message does this send about Saudi-Moroccan relations? The visit by Prince Turki bin Faisal and the signing of the agreement underscore the strong bilateral ties between the Kingdom and Morocco. Both countries share a commitment to preserving Islamic heritage and promoting moderate Islam. This collaboration is likely to enhance people-to-people exchanges and foster greater mutual understanding. It also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of building partnerships with nations that share its cultural and religious values, contributing to regional stability and cooperation.

Economic and Strategic Significance

How does manuscript preservation contribute to Saudi Arabia’s strategic goals? While the agreement is primarily cultural and academic, it has strategic implications for the Kingdom’s soft power and global influence. By supporting the preservation of Islamic heritage, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as the heartland of Islam and a guardian of its intellectual traditions. This enhances the Kingdom’s image as a modern, forward-looking nation that values its past while embracing the future. Additionally, the project can stimulate academic tourism and research collaborations, bringing scholars to Saudi Arabia and Morocco and fostering economic benefits through increased cultural exchange.

What are the long-term benefits for Vision 2030? Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and promote cultural enrichment as part of its quality-of-life program. This agreement supports those objectives by investing in heritage preservation, which can attract tourism and create opportunities for knowledge-based industries. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to promote Arabic language and culture globally. By partnering with Al Quaraouiyine, KFCRIS is helping to build a bridge between Saudi Arabia and North Africa, enhancing cultural and economic ties that can lead to further collaboration in education, technology, and trade.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does this initiative embody the spirit of Vision 2030? Saudi Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity and global engagement. The agreement between KFCRIS and Al Quaraouiyine University directly supports the Vision’s cultural objectives, which include safeguarding Islamic heritage, promoting research and innovation, and strengthening international partnerships. By taking a leading role in this project, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to the Vision’s goals and its determination to be a global leader in cultural preservation.

What does this mean for the future of Islamic scholarship? This partnership is a model for how nations can work together to protect and promote shared heritage. It ensures that the rich intellectual legacy of the Islamic world will continue to inspire and inform future generations. As KFCRIS and Al Quaraouiyine University embark on this collaboration, they set an example for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of preserving manuscripts as windows into the past and keys to understanding the present. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through KFCRIS, reaffirms its dedication to this noble mission, contributing to the success of Vision 2030 and the enrichment of global culture.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS)?

A1. KFCRIS is a leading Saudi research institution based in Riyadh, dedicated to the study of Islamic civilization and contemporary issues. It houses around 30,000 original manuscripts and hosts the Arab Book Chair, the first research chair of its kind in the Arab world.

Q2. Which university did KFCRIS sign a cooperation agreement with?

A2. KFCRIS signed the agreement with the University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, Morocco, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world, founded in 859 CE.

Q3. When was the agreement signed?

A3. The agreement was signed on October 30, 2026, during a visit by Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz to the historic Al Quaraouiyine Library.

Q4. Who signed the agreement on behalf of KFCRIS?

A4. The agreement was signed by Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KFCRIS, who led the delegation to Fez.

Q5. Who accompanied Prince Turki bin Faisal during the visit?

A5. He was accompanied by Amal Jallal, President of the University of Al Quaraouiyine, who guided him through the library’s halls and showcased its rare manuscripts.

Q6. What is the main objective of the agreement?

A6. The main objective is to strengthen scientific collaboration to preserve, catalog, edit, and safeguard Arabic and Islamic manuscript heritage through joint academic initiatives.

Q7. What specific project did Prince Turki bin Faisal announce?

A7. He announced KFCRIS’s interest in supporting a project to catalog the manuscripts in the Al Quaraouiyine Library that have not yet been cataloged, providing all necessary requirements in coordination with the university.

Q8. How many original manuscripts does KFCRIS house?

A8. KFCRIS houses around 30,000 original manuscripts, making it a significant repository of Islamic heritage.

Q9. What is the Arab Book Chair?

A9. The Arab Book Chair is the first research chair of its kind in the Arab world, hosted by KFCRIS, dedicated to studying the history of the Arabic book and related fields.

Q10. What are some areas of joint academic initiatives mentioned?

A10. Areas include cataloging and editing manuscripts, studying the history of the Arabic book, and exchanging expertise in preserving, safeguarding, and promoting manuscript heritage.

Q11. How will the agreement benefit researchers?

A11. It will make the Al Quaraouiyine Library’s valuable manuscript holdings more accessible to researchers, opening wider opportunities for editing, studying, and drawing on their scholarly contents.

Q12. What is the significance of the Al Quaraouiyine Library?

A12. It is one of the most prominent centers of learning, preserving the Islamic world’s intellectual and cultural heritage for centuries, with a vast collection of rare manuscripts.

Q13. How does this agreement align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030’s cultural objectives by safeguarding Islamic heritage, promoting research and innovation, and strengthening international partnerships, enhancing the Kingdom’s global role.

Q14. What is the expected impact on Saudi-Moroccan relations?

A14. The agreement strengthens bilateral ties, fostering cultural and academic cooperation between the two brotherly nations, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

Q15. What types of manuscripts are in the Al Quaraouiyine Library?

A15. The library holds manuscripts covering diverse fields such as theology, law, medicine, astronomy, and literature, many of which are unique and irreplaceable.

Q16. How will the cataloging project be funded?

A16. KFCRIS has expressed readiness to provide all the requirements needed to complete the project, in coordination with the University of Al Quaraouiyine.

Q17. What expertise will KFCRIS bring to the partnership?

A17. KFCRIS will bring its research expertise in manuscript preservation, cataloging, and editing, as well as its experience with the Arab Book Chair.

Q18. What is the broader significance of preserving Islamic manuscripts?

A18. Preserving manuscripts ensures the continuity of Islamic intellectual heritage, allowing future generations to study and benefit from centuries of scholarship and cultural achievements.

Q19. How does this collaboration reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diplomacy?

A19. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting Islamic heritage and promoting moderate values, enhancing its image as a global leader in cultural preservation.

Q20. What are the next steps for the partnership?

A20. The next steps include implementing joint initiatives, starting with the cataloging project, and exploring further opportunities for academic exchange and research collaboration between the two institutions.

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