The King Abdulaziz Foundation Clarifies:
The Abolition of Slavery Began Under King Abdulaziz, and Girls’ Education Began Under King Saud… While King Faisal Wisely Managed Public Reactions**
Riyadh – SPA
The King Abdulaziz Foundation issued a clarification regarding certain press articles published alongside the Scientific Symposium on the History of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, organized by the Foundation from 1–3 Jumada I 1429 AH (6–8 May 2008). Some of these articles contained inaccurate information about historical events related to the era of King Saud bin Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—particularly concerning the abolition of slavery and the establishment of girls’ education.
The Foundation released the following statement:
First: The Abolition of Slavery
The process of abolishing slavery began during the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud—may God rest his soul. Historical documents confirm that King Abdulaziz issued orders prohibiting the importation of slaves. Umm Al‑Qura, the official gazette of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, published on Friday, 11 Rabi‘ al‑Awwal 1356 AH (21 May 1937), a notice titled “Instructions Regarding the Slave Trade,” which included a complete ban on bringing slaves into the Kingdom from any country.
This policy was reinforced through directives sent by King Abdulaziz to regional governors.
Efforts continued during the reign of King Saud—may God have mercy on him. Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz stated in his book Images from the Life of Abdulaziz that King Saud formed a committee headed by Prince Abdulmohsin bin Abdulaziz, Minister of the Interior, with the membership of Sheikh Muhammad Al‑Harkan, Chief Judge of Jeddah, and other officials to examine the issue of slavery.
The work progressed further during King Saud’s reign when the government issued the official decree abolishing slavery and compensating former slave owners. This was announced in the ministerial statement outlining the new state policy, delivered by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—who was acting on behalf of the King at the time.
Second: Girls’ Education
The decree establishing the General Presidency for Girls’ Education and the order to open girls’ schools across the Kingdom was issued through a royal proclamation by King Saud—may God have mercy on him. It was published in Umm Al‑Qura on Friday, 21 Rabi‘ al‑Akhir 1379 AH (1960 CE) under the title “A Noble Royal Proclamation.”
The proclamation contained the text of King Saud’s royal order to implement the wishes of the Kingdom’s religious scholars to open schools for girls. Issues of Umm Al‑Qura from the same month and year documented the widespread joy across Saudi society at the opening of educational opportunities for girls to learn both religious and worldly knowledge.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz played a significant role in supporting and encouraging girls’ education, backing the state’s official decision and managing public reactions with wisdom.
Third: Government Institutions Established During King Saud’s Reign
Several government bodies and charitable and scientific institutions were established during the reign of King Saud, including:
- The beginning of higher education with the opening of the first Saudi university—King Saud University—in 1377 AH.
- The Ministry of Social Affairs, established by royal decree in 1380 AH.
- The Supreme Planning Council, founded in 1381 AH (1961 CE), with Prince Nawwaf bin Abdulaziz appointed as its head on behalf of the King, according to Royal Letter No. 745/20/5 dated 6/4/1381 AH.
- The Ministry of Information, established by Royal Decree No. 57 on 4/11/1382 AH (1962 CE).
- The Social Security System, established by Royal Decree No. 18 in 1382 AH (1962 CE).
- The General Petroleum and Minerals Organization (Petromin), established by Royal Decree No. 25 on 25/6/1382 AH (22 November 1962).
- The Muslim World League, founded in 1382 AH (1962 CE).
- The College of Petroleum and Minerals, established by Royal Decree No. 11 in 1383 AH (1963 CE), later renamed King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
These major developmental achievements began under the Founder, King Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—and continued under his sons: King Saud, King Faisal, King Khalid, and King Fahd—may God have mercy on them all. They continue today under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz—may God preserve them.