Report and Interview by: Waseela Mahmoud Al‑Halabi
Her Royal Highness Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz sponsored the launch ceremony of the book Photographic Biography of King Saud bin Abdulaziz and the accompanying exhibition of photographs and personal memorabilia. The event was held Saturday evening at the National Museum and attended by numerous members of the royal family, including Princess Sita, Princess Noura, Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz, Princess Hussa Al‑Shaalan (wife of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques), Princess Sara and Princess Haifa Al‑Faisal, Princess Latifa bint Sultan, Princess Modhi bint Khalid, and many other princesses, ambassadors’ wives, prominent women in society, daughters and granddaughters of King Saud, and a large audience of attendees.
The ceremony began with the royal anthem, followed by a recitation from the Qur’an by Princess Areej bint Al‑Waleed bin Badr bin Saud. Princess Sita bint Saud then delivered a speech on behalf of King Saud’s daughters, expressing gratitude to King Abdullah, Prince Sultan, and Prince Salman for their support in unveiling a cherished part of the nation’s history. She warmly welcomed Princess Nouf and thanked all the mothers who ensured that King Saud’s legacy remained alive in the hearts of his children.
Addressing her late father, she said:
“You were my king, and you remain forever my master, my father, and my beloved. Today we celebrate your legacy—not to remember you, for we could never forget you.”
Princess Fahda bint Saud followed with a heartfelt speech describing the journey of creating the book.
“Achievements begin with dreams, and are realized through faith, patience, perseverance, and love,” she said. The book was the result of four years of dedicated work by a group determined to serve the nation and honor the memory of King Saud. The photographs were retrieved from dusty archives, many faded or damaged. Brazilian photographer Umberto da Salveira played a pivotal role in restoring them using advanced techniques. He had previously worked on photographic books about Saudi monarchs, beginning with King Abdulaziz.
Princess Fahda also prepared the historical text and helped identify the images, which were collected from King Saud’s children, grandchildren, close associates, and various Saudi, Arab, and international archives. The process required extensive research in old books, newspapers, and scattered magazines. The project was funded by contributors, most notably Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd, during the reign of King Fahd. The book was launched under King Abdullah’s patronage.
She extended thanks to all who supported the project, including:
- The Heritage Foundation and its founder Prince Sultan bin Salman
- Prince Faisal bin Salman, Chairman of the Saudi Research and Publishing Group
- Dr. Zahir Othman, Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation
- Dr. Fahd Al‑Samari, Secretary‑General of the King Abdulaziz Foundation
- Historian Abdulrahman Al‑Ruwaishid
- Dr. Abdullah Al‑Saud, Director of the National Museum
- Dr. Saad Al‑Rashed and Dr. Mohammed Al‑Ruwaishid from the Ministry of Education
- Engineer Tariq Al‑Fares from the Riyadh Development Authority
- Rasha Al‑Houshan for her technical and artistic contributions
- Sheikh Waleed Al‑Ibrahim through the Al‑Houshan Foundation
- And all unnamed contributors who helped bring the project to life.
She concluded by thanking Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh, for his support, and Princess Nouf for honoring the event with her presence.
Princess Reem bint Saif Al‑Islam bin Saud then spoke:
“It is the renewal of an ancient truth: Some living are as if dead, and some dead remain alive among us.”
She described King Saud as a figure who, though physically absent for 37 years, remained alive in the hearts of many. His legacy, now scientifically documented, will endure. She thanked Prince Salman and Princess Nouf, and all researchers who pursued historical integrity and fairness.
As granddaughters who never met King Saud, she said:
“We were granted a different kind of honor — to witness a revival of memory and history. After long anticipation, we immersed ourselves in his era, declaring our pride and loyalty, and committing to the values he hoped we would uphold.”
She quoted poet Ahmad Al‑Ghazzawi in tribute:
“Blessed are the memories that return to us — they are goodness, grace, and Saud. Fortunate are the ages they revisit, where truth reigns and justice prevails.”
Princess Mishaal bint Saud presented the book to Princess Nouf, and Princess Fahda offered her a commemorative gift. Gifts were also presented to Princess Hussa Al‑Shaalan, wife of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Princess Nouf then officially opened the exhibition, which featured around 400 photographs and numerous personal items, including:
- King Saud’s chair
- A golden sword and headband
- His medical and sunglasses
- A rotary telephone
- Medals from Greece, Spain, and Afghanistan
- A diamond‑studded dagger and pure gold sword
- A wooden cane from 1962
- His watches and currency from his reign
- A Kaaba covering made during his era
- A gold‑and‑silver embroidered pouch modeled after the Kaaba key pouch
- Door No. 8A of King Saud’s palace
- A silk Iranian carpet portrait from 1373 AH
- Stamps and newspapers from 1374–1377 AH
Princess Nouf praised the work, saying:
“This is a magnificent achievement. King Saud was a great king and our father. What we see tonight leaves us speechless. His daughters have honored us all — may God reward them.”
Princess Hussa Al‑Shaalan added:
“This is a tremendous and heartfelt tribute. The memorabilia are remarkable. King Saud deserves this devotion and effort. All sons of King Abdulaziz have served their nation faithfully — may God bless them.”
Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz said:
“We rejoice and grieve as we view this exhibition. King Saud was noble, and his legacy is eternal. His daughters have honored him, and this is true filial piety.”
Princess Latifa bint Sultan commented:
“This is a dream realized by King Saud’s daughters. It is a great and commendable effort. His achievements are unforgettable — may God have mercy on him.”
Princess Adhwaa bint Talal bin Badr bin Saud expressed her joy:
“I am overwhelmed with happiness seeing these images of my grandfather. I wish I had lived during his time to experience his love and kindness. He was a great king, a just ruler, and a compassionate father — as our mothers and grandmothers told us.”
The exhibition will remain open for one and a half months, with morning and evening visiting hours.