Somalia’s minister of endowments and religious affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, visited the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah on Tuesday to review Saudi Arabia’s efforts to print, translate and disseminate the Holy Qur’an worldwide.
During the visit, Sheikh Mukhtar received a detailed briefing on the complex’s mandates and specialized production lines, including its work across editions of varying sizes and recitations, as well as translations of the meanings of the Qur’an into multiple languages. Officials showcased the range of outputs that support readers and institutions around the world, underscoring the Kingdom’s role in conveying the Qur’an’s message across linguistic and geographic boundaries.
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The minister praised the strong support and attention afforded to the complex by Saudi leadership, describing the facility as central to global access to the Holy Qur’an. He also commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for enabling the complex to carry out its mission at scale and for sustaining the resources needed to meet growing demand from communities, schools and mosques internationally.
The King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex is a leading Islamic institution in production volume and reach. In 2025, it welcomed almost 1 million visitors from within Saudi Arabia and abroad, reflecting its status as a key stop for visitors to Madinah who seek to observe the Kingdom’s printing, quality-control and distribution operations firsthand.
According to the complex, annual output exceeds 12 million copies of the Holy Qur’an, alongside translations of its meanings in numerous international languages. Those translations are part of a broader effort to support non-Arabic speakers and to standardize access to reliable texts across diverse Muslim communities.
In addition to print editions, the complex maintains a growing digital footprint. It offers audio recitations and authenticated digital copies through online platforms and smart applications, expanding access for readers who rely on mobile and connected devices. The digital offerings are designed to complement physical distribution, providing multiple channels for engagement and study while maintaining rigorous review and production standards.
Officials highlighted that these combined print and digital pathways are intended to ensure availability of the Holy Qur’an for individuals, institutions and educational programs worldwide, regardless of location or language. The complex’s multilingual catalog and technology-enabled distribution support its commitment to broad reach and usability.
Sheikh Mukhtar’s visit put a spotlight on the Kingdom’s sustained investment in Qur’an services and on the operational systems behind the large-scale printing and translation program. It also reflected an emphasis on institutional cooperation in religious affairs, with acknowledgment of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ role in coordinating support for the complex’s ongoing work.
The complex’s continued expansion of translations, coupled with its capacity to produce millions of copies each year, positions it to serve growing global demand. With both on-site engagement in Madinah and an increasingly accessible digital library, the facility remains a focal point for efforts to disseminate the Qur’an responsibly and widely.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
