Faisal bin Muammar, general supervisor of KAAPL, described the encyclopedia as “a major cultural and scientific achievement,” adding that the work took nearly 10 years to complete. He disclosed plans to translate the work into English and other world languages.

He said the encyclopedia containing the history and development of Saudi Arabia would give a good picture of the Kingdom and its important position at Arab, Islamic and international levels.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has given utmost attention to the encyclopedia project. “We are honored to present the first copy of this encyclopedia to King Abdullah, supreme chairman of the library’s board of directors,” he said.

Muammar added: “This is one of the fruits of King Abdullah’s efforts in support of this library, which has been playing an important role in spreading culture and knowledge.”

He said the work would be available on the Internet through a special website. “We also intend to translate this encyclopedia into major world languages in the near future,” he added.

The encyclopedia will be reprinted after every five years to include new changes and developments that take place in the Kingdom. “At the same time, it will be updated continuously on the website. Moreover, an updated encyclopedia on CDs will be made available every year,” he added.

Muammar thanked regional governors for the support and cooperation they provided to the team of researchers and writers who brought out the work. “We have allocated one volume or more for each region of the Kingdom,” he pointed out.

The encyclopedia covers geographic features of each region, its history and development, historical sites, social and traditional specialties, natural resources, wildlife, tourist resorts and attractions and its religious, cultural and economic importance.

“This encyclopedia gives comprehensive knowledge about the Kingdom with maps and statistical figures and will be an excellent reference for students and researchers,” Muammar said, adding that it is written in a simple language.