The Stamps Of Time
A Virtual Exhibition
Long before instant communication; the post is how we shared our stories and how we archived our collective memories. This is how our history was written. Each stamp represents a moment stamped in time. Take a journey through time and through the story we are still writing together.
Commemoration of the opening of the Arab Postal Union
Arab Postal Union
1955
Across the world, the post became a powerful modern institution that contributed effectively to state development. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was no exceptions. The post was not only essential to state-building but also an essential service that served to connect the country and its community. With the rising significance of the post, this stamp was issued to celebrate the opening of the Arab Postal Union.
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The anniversary of the inauguration of Dhahran International Airport
Dhahran International Airport
1963
The strategic location of Dhahran gave great importance to the city as a link between Europe, Asia and the other international air routes. The decision to establish the Dhahran Airport was made to accommodate the rapid social development of the Kingdom’s Eastern Region. Constructed by Aramco in 1934; this stamp commemorates the establishment of Al Dhahran Airport.
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Commemorating the Inauguration of the Dammam-Jeddah Road
Inauguration of the Dammam-Jeddah Road
1968
The inception of the Dammam-Jeddah road goes back to the year 1953, when the need had arisen for a connection – via Riyadh – between the oil-producing cities in the east with the religious sites in the west. The road was built in phases and officially opened in 1965. This stamp was issued in 1968 to commemorate the establishment of this strategic and important road.
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Celebration of the different cultural landscapes in Saudi Arabia
Madayin Saleh
1968
This stamp features Madayin Saleh and was issued in 1968. Also known as Hegra, it is one of the Saudi Arabia’s archaeological wonders – and a wonder of the world. Dating back to the first century Kingdom of Anbat, Hegra is home to 131 cemeteries, 45 of which feature Aramaic inscriptions above the entrance. These combine elements of Greek, Roman, Nabataean and Babylonian architecture. In the early 70s the site was proclaimed an archeological treasure, and in 2008 it officially became the first-ever Saudi Arabian UNESCO site.
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Commemorating the establishment of King Abdul Aziz National University
King Abdul Aziz National University
1971
As the fourth largest university in the Middle East and the second largest in the Kingdom, King Abdul Aziz National University is one of the most important universities in the region. This stamp commemorates its establishment in 1967, to facilitate scientific study in the western region of Saudi Arabia.
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Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the World Food Programme
World Food Programme
1975
This stamp was issued to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the World Food Programme, one of many international initiatives in which the Kingdom long has been involved. Saudi Arabia’s benevolence is stamped in time through remarkable efforts to spread and establish peace, security and harmony around the world. These efforts stem from the Islamic values on which the country is based.
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Celebrating the 30th anniversary of foundation of the Saudi airlines
Saudi Airline Foundation
1975
As the Kingdom developed, landmark accomplishments were stamped in time – telling a visual story of the modernization of Saudi Arabia to become what it is today, with the development of communications, key infrastructure and services such as the foundation of Saudi airlines. This stamp was issued in 1975 to celebrate the foundation of the Kingdom’s airlines.
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Commemorating the 10th Anninversay of Saudi Arabian Television
Saudi Arabian Television
1976
As King Faisal bin Abdulaziz sought to modernize the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia Television was established under his reign, which launched a new phase of the Kingdom’s development. This landmark event saw Saudi citizens gather across the country, eagerly awaiting the first official television broadcast from two stations in Riyadh and another in Jeddah. This stamp was issued to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishing of Saudi Arabia Television.
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Celebrating the opening of Al Khafji oil rig
Al Khafji Oil Rig
1977
Today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most important countries in terms of petroleum reserves. Since the discovery of oil, so as to keep pace with development and prosperity, the Kingdom has long harnessed all its capabilities to promote research and innovation in the field. This stamp was issued in 1977 to commemorate the inauguration of Al Khafji oil field, the Kingdom‘s very first.
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Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Sharia College
The Sharia College
1977
This stamp was issued to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Sharia College. Education and religious values have long been central priorities for the Kingdom. As such, the first Directorate of Knowledge was established in 1926. As King Abdulaziz established the Sharia College in Mecca, it thus became the first university in the country.
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Special stamp issued to commemorate the departure of King Faisal
King Faisal Commemorative Issue
1975
King Faisal bin Abdulaziz ascended the throne in 1964 and throughout his reign he enjoyed the love and respect of his people. He implemented a policy of modernization and reform, supported the weak, hindered injustice and dealt fairly with his citizens. This stamp was issued in memory of the late King, following his death in 1975, stamping in time our Kingdom’s undying appreciation of the late monarch.
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Celebrating the installation of the new golden door to the Kaaba
New door of the Holy Kaaba, Mecca
1979
The attention of Saudi Arabia’s kings to the two holy mosques is unparalleled, and the efforts to attend to the Kaaba, including tending to its covering, perfuming and cleanliness stand witness on this attention to the Qibla of Muslims around the world. One of the major testimonies of these royal efforts is the Holy Kaaba door. This magnificent door is made of solid gold, build under the direction of King Khalid bin Abdulaziz. It weighs 280 Kilograms, took 12 months to be built and cost around 13 million Saudi Riyals. Stamping in time the Kingdom’s commitment to Islam and its holy site, this stamp was issued in 1979.
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Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first commemorative stamp issued by King Abdulaziz
50th Anniversary of the First Commemorative Stamp Issue
1979
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been keen to issue stamps that were designed in a creative manner to highlight the Kingdom’s evolution over time, as well as reflect the insights and aspirations it has pursued up till today. Postal stamps play an important role in commemorating the success story of Saudi Arabia, stamping them in time. This stamp was issued in 1979 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the issuance of the first ever commemorative stamps in Saudi Arabia.
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Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
50th Anniversary of the Unification of Saudi Arabia
1981
On the 23rd of September, 1932, King Abdulaziz issued a royal decree to transfer the name of the state from the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the unification of the Kingdom. This stamp was issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1981.
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The first Hejaz and Najd post stamps issued by the Royal order of King Abdulaziz Al Saud
Hejaz and Najd Post
1926
This was the first stamp issued by the order of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, prior to the unification of the Kingdom. This came as the need arose to issue postal stamps as well as to clarify domestic political changes, as stamps are traveling ambassadors to the world. Issued in the name of Hejaz and Najd, these stamps were distributed to the postal offices in Hejaz for use. Shortly thereafter, the first telegram, mail and telephone directory was established in Mecca the same year
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Commemoration the Afghani King’s visit to Saudi Arabia
King Mohammed Thaher Shah Visit
1950
The relations between the Kingdom and other countries are one of respect and appreciation. As such, the Kingdom has long been a destination for visits from heads of state and monarchs from around the globe. Several stamps were issued to commemorate these visits, telling the story of the relations between Kingdom and the world, such as this stamp which commemorates the visit of King Mohammed Thaher Shah of Afghanistan in 1950.
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Commemoration of the visit of the Lebanese President
President of Lebanon Visit
1953
The relations between the Kingdom and other countries are one of respect and appreciation. As such, the Kingdom has long been a destination for visits from heads of state and monarchs from around the globe. Several stamps were issued to commemorate these visits, telling the story of the relations between Kingdom and the world, such as this stamp which commemorates the Lebanese President Camille Chamoun in 1953.
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Celebrating the opening of the Kingdom’s first international radio station
First Saudi International Radio Station
1960
The history of radio in Saudi Arabia goes back to 1949 when airwaves were filled with the recitation of Holy Quran that won the heart of millions across the Kingdom. In earlier decades, large wooden box radios were confined to the elite. Later, transistor radios reached many more. Now, radio in Saudi Arabia has been completely reshaped by the various private players that entered the sector after the government opened up licenses to them. This stamp was issued to commemorate the first Saudi international radio station.
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Commemoration of the opening of Wadi Hanifa Dam
Wadi Hanifa Dam
1960
The Wadi Hanifa river stands witness to many of our most important events. In fact, it is thought to be where the history of Saudi Arabia begins. It witnessed the establishment of the first Saudi state and the unification of the Kingdom, which was the great turning point in the history of the Arabian peninsula. The story of Wadi Hanifa began in Riyadh. As legend goes, one of the leaders of Bani Hanifa tribe moved between the sites, seeking a safe and stable haven for him and his clan. At the banks of the valley, he chose a stone to be his base, which grew and formed the large city we know today. This stamp was issued to commemorate the opening of Wadi Hanifa Dam.
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Celebration of the successes achieved by the oil industry in the country
Gas-Oil Separation Plant
1964
As King Abdulaziz Al Saud began contemplating ways to develop his young kingdom, the discovery of oil was a historical turning point that would transform the nascent state it into a major global economy. This stamp commemorates Dammam Oil Well Number 7 in Dhahran – the first oil well discovered in the Kingdom in March 1938, after a series of unsuccessful trials.
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Celebrating the opening of the highway connecting Mecca and Taif
Opening of the Arafat-Taif highway
1965
This stamp was issued to commemorate the opening of Arafat-Taif highway, connecting the Holy City of Mecca to Taif. The idea of creating a road that would link Taif to Al Huda and then Mecca came as King Saud bin Abdulaziz visited the Al Huda area during summer in 1955, where he then issued an order to expand the Taif-Al Huda road. This was the first route of its kind in the Middle East at that time. The road began operating in early 1958 and was formally opened in 1965 by King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, becoming the main artery of the city of Taif, linking it to Mecca and Jeddah.
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Celebration of the 20th anniversary of founding of UNESCO
20th Anniversay of UNESCO
1966
Stemming from the belief in the importance of Saudi Arabia at a regional and international level, the Kingdom’s leaders have always made sure to play a key role in the establishment and support of global organizations such as the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, UNESCO and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This stamp was issued to celebrate the 20th anniversary of founding of UNESCO and stamp in time the Kingdom’s commitment to international cooperation.
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Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union
U.P.U. 100th Anniversary
1974
By the mid 1970s, Saudi Post had become a powerful modern institution that served the community and effectively contributed to the development of the Kingdom. This stamp was issued to celebrate 100 anniversary of the Universal Postal Union.
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Commemoration of the appointment of the Crown Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz
The Pledge of Allegiance
1934
The first stamp to carry the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, symbolizing the unity of the land and its people under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. The name of the Kingdom appears in both Arabic as well as French, the official language of the Universal Postal Union at the time. The stamp was issued to commemorate the declaration of allegiance to Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as an heir to the throne.
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Issued so as to raise money for the national ambulances
Ambulance
1943
With an emphasis on the welfare of its people, the Kingdom issued several special stamps to support and raise funding for the national ambulance services.
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Commemoration the return of His Majesty King Abdulaziz from Egypt
Royal Visit to Egypt
1946
Returning the previous visit of King Farouk to Saudi Arabia in 1945, King Abdulaziz Al Saud visited Egypt in 1946. The visit was met with unprecedented support both politically and socially.
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Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the capture of Riyadh
50th Anniversary of the Capture of Riyadh
1950
In addition to being one of the few remaining historic buildings that still stands until this day in Riyadh, Al Masmak Palace represents a pivotal phase in the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The palace stood witness to the battle of Riyadh, in which King Abdulaziz Al Saud successfully retrieved the city in a battle that he fought alongside his men. This stamp was issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the capture of Riyadh.
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Commemoration of the visit of King Talal to Saudi Arabia
Visit of King of Jordan
1951
The relations between the Kingdom and other countries are one of respect and appreciation. As such, the Kingdom has long been a destination for visits from heads of state and monarchs from around the globe. Several stamps were issued to commemorate these visits, telling the story the relations between Kingdom and the world, such as this stamp which commemorates the visit of King Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1951.
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Commemoration the inauguration of the Riyadh – Dammam railway
The Riyadh – Dammam Railway
1952
Railways have always received great emphasis in the development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since its establishment, the Kingdom appreciated the pivotal role that the sector would play as a stimulant of economic and social evolution, through the enablement of the transfer of passengers and goods across the Kingdom. This stamp was issued to commemorate the opening Riyadh-Dammam line in 1952, marking the establishment of the Saudi Governmental railway.
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Pledging support for the International Refugee Year
International Refugee Year
1960
Across its history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has generously supported humanitarian aid, with continuous marked efforts and initiatives to provide relief and humanitarian assistance where need be in times of hardship. This initiative stems from the Kingdom’s role as a key player on the global stage and the heart of the Islamic World. As such, this stamp was issued in 1960 to commemorate the International Refugee Year.
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