I recently received, with gratitude, a documentary book from Dr. Ali bin Saleh Al‑Mughnam, former Deputy Minister of Education for Antiquities and Museums, titled “The Ministry of Education in the Reign of King Saud—In Light of Selected Educational Documents” (1430 AH / 2009). The book was introduced by former Minister of Education Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al‑Obaid and is divided into eight chapters:
- Educational Policy and Its Early Beginnings in Saudi Arabia
- The Personality of King Saud and Education
- King Saud’s Vision and Its Impact on the Educational Movement in the Kingdom
- The Ministry of Education: Methodology, Strategy, and Organization in the Reign of King Saud
- The Ministry of Education and Its Responsibilities (1373–1384 AH)
- Facts About the Educational Renaissance in the Reign of King Saud (A)
- Facts About the Educational Renaissance in the Reign of King Saud (B)
- King Saud and Education: Pages from the Memory of History
Each chapter contains several sub‑topics and is enriched with rare documents and photographs. The author cites a passage from King Saud’s address at the opening of the Council of Ministers shortly after assuming the throne on 2 Rajab 1373 AH, in which he said:
“Nothing is dearer to my heart than seeing the sons of my nation drink from the fountains of knowledge, enlightened by its light, and armed with it to defend their homeland. We have greatly increased the number of schools across the country, and we have made education free at all levels—something unmatched in any other nation. Not only is education free, but we also provide monthly stipends to students at certain stages, and we send successive groups abroad at the state’s expense to study all branches of science and knowledge.”
This comprehensive documentary work meticulously records all educational institutions and stages—from kindergarten to university.
I am reminded here of what the eminent scholar of Arabia, Hamad Al‑Jasser, wrote in his memoirs when he served as Director of Education in Najd. When King Saud began assuming his father’s responsibilities due to the latter’s advanced age, he instructed Al‑Jasser: “Go and open a school in every village.” Al‑Jasser replied that teachers and principals were scarce, to which the King responded: “Make the imam the principal and the muezzin the janitor.” And so it was.
The Beginnings of Girls’ Education
There is much to recall regarding the early days of girls’ education. King Saud strongly supported this vital sector. When the Royal Decree announcing the opening of schools for girls to teach religious sciences was published on Thursday, 20 Rabi‘ al‑Thani 1379 AH (22 October 1959), the General Presidency for Girls’ Education was established, and primary schools for girls began to open.
King Saud personally attended the opening of the general exhibition of students’ work at the Second Girls’ School in Riyadh on 18/11/1380 AH. After the speech of Sheikh Abdulaziz Al‑Rasheed, President of Girls’ Education, the King toured the exhibition, viewing the students’ work in sewing, embroidery, weaving, and home management. The exhibition, which included contributions from schools across the Kingdom, promised a bright future for Saudi girls. The King then sampled sweets and dishes prepared by the students themselves, as reported in Al‑Qassim newspaper (issue 73, 24 Dhu al‑Qi‘dah 1380 AH / 9 May 1961).
King Saud’s Broader Vision
During his first visit to Bahrain after assuming the throne, King Saud said at a banquet hosted by Hassan Al‑Mudayfi‘:
“The bonds between Bahrain and the Kingdom are strong, and we must work to strengthen them. I previously spoke to Your Highness about constructing a bridge between Khobar and Bahrain, and I remain convinced of its necessity. I hope you will study this project, and the Kingdom will contribute a substantial share of its cost. National consciousness is rising, and the Arab peoples are increasingly aware. It is our duty to understand this, for we are shepherds, and every shepherd is responsible for his flock.”
(Cited in Sawt al‑Bahrain, issue 7, year 4, Ramadan 1373 AH.)
King Saud and the University
Dr. Izzat Khattab, who served as a teaching assistant at King Saud University in 1377–1378 AH, recalled that the King was keen to attend lectures delivered by University President Abdulwahhab Azzam or by the Dean of the College of Arts, Mustafa Al‑Saqqa. The university administration would notify the Royal Court of lecture times, and the King would arrive with his official entourage. A carpet and chairs were placed at the front of the hall, the royal anthem was played, and the announcer Bakr Younis would introduce the session. Dr. Khattab noted that he disliked being introduced as a “student assistant” when he was, in fact, a professor.
These are brief reflections prompted by my reading of Dr. Al‑Mughnam’s book—expressions of appreciation for a reign whose contributions to education deserve recognition and gratitude.