Postage Stamps and Postal History of Saudi Arabia Through the Ages

Saudi Arabia's postal history dates back to the early 20th century. The first postage stamps were introduced in 1926, featuring the image of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

The stamps were printed in London and were an instant hit, with collectors and philatelists from around the world clamoring to get their hands on them. The stamps were so popular that they quickly became a valuable collector's item.

In the 1930s, Saudi Arabia began to issue its own stamps, featuring iconic images of the country's rich culture and history. One of the most notable stamps from this era is the 1932 "Mecca" stamp, which featured an image of the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

The postal service in Saudi Arabia has come a long way since its humble beginnings, with modern stamps featuring vibrant designs and cutting-edge technology.

The Hejaz region in western Arabia was under Turkish influence by 1517 and direct control by 1845.

Before the introduction of postage stamps and the railway, mail traveled mainly by camel.

In 1900, a railway was built between Medina and Damascus, known as the Hejaz railway.

This railway was used to issue railway stamps for the service between 1900 and 1908.

Revenue stamps were also issued to help finance the railway during this time period.

The Turks operated post offices in various locations, including Abha, El Ula, Hedye, Jeddah, Konfida, Mecca, Taif, Tebouk, and Yanbo.

An Egyptian post office operated at Jeddah between 1865 and 1881.

Recommended read: London Post Office Railway

The Kingdom of Hejaz was a short-lived but fascinating entity, issuing its first stamps in October 1916. These early stamps are notable for their complexity, with many different printings and overprints found, often with the printing upside down.

In 1926, the Kingdom of Hejaz merged with the Kingdom of Nejd, with Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud becoming the ruler of the new kingdom. This union was recognized by the United Kingdom in the Treaty of Jeddah on May 20, 1927.

For another approach, see: 1971 United Kingdom Postal Workers Strike

The first stamps of the new Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd were issued in February 1926, marking a new era in the postal history of the region. These stamps were part of a series that continued until 1932.

By 1925, Nejd had conquered the Kingdom of Hejaz, leading to the issuance of a variety of stamps during the occupation. These stamps included postage stamps, railway stamps, postage dues, and revenue stamps, with many being overprinted with Turkish stamps to make them valid for use in the territory.

The stamps issued during the occupation are a fascinating area of study, with many collectors seeking out the different overprinted stamps.

For your interest: New Us Postage Stamps

The first stamps marked Saudi Arabia were issued on 1 January 1934.

Saudi Post built three new postal centers in Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah as part of its 1981–1985 Five Year Development Plan; stamps commemorating the centers were released on July 14, 1982.

Take a look at this: Hajj Terminal Jeddah Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has issued stamps on subjects relevant to life in Saudi Arabia, including a number of long-running definitive series.

On May 20, 1980, the Saudi government issued a set of two commemorative anti-smoking postage stamps to coincide with that year's April 7 World Health Day theme entitled "Smoking or health? The choice is in your hands."

The kingdom issued two commemorative football-themed stamps on February 16, 1989, one day before the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship began.

In June 2023, Saudi Post collaborated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to issue a special stamp and postcard set commemorating that year's Hajj pilgrimage.

SPL has issued stamps to document sports and national events, such as the Falconry Festival and Horse Racing.

SPL issued a stamp to commemorate the Kingdom's hosting of the G20 Summit in 2020 in the capital, Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has issued stamps from 1932.

Curious to learn more? Check out: List of Entities That Have Issued Postage Stamps (F–L)

The postal history of Saudi Arabia is a fascinating topic, and one that is closely tied to the country's development and growth. The first stamps marked Saudi Arabia were issued on 1 January 1934.

The country's postal history predates this date, however. In the parts of Saudi Arabia that were once part of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish stamps were used until they were conquered by Nejd or became independent. Hejaz, for example, issued its own stamps from 1916, while the sultanate of Nejd issued stamps from 1925.

The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has a rare collection of postage stamps that chronicle contemporary Saudi history, comprising 13,000 stamps including rare specimens issued during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The oldest stamp in the collection dates back to March 1925, while a particularly significant historical stamp commemorates King Abdulaziz's accession to the throne in 1931-1932.

The library's stamp collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical development of Saudi Arabia and its postal system.

Saudi Arabia has a fascinating postal history that spans centuries. The country's postal history began with the use of Turkish stamps in regions that were once part of the Ottoman Empire.

The first stamps marked Saudi Arabia were issued on 1 January 1934. This marked a significant milestone in the country's postal history.

The kingdom of Hejaz & Nejd issued stamps from 1927, superseding earlier issues from Hejaz and Nejd. This period saw the introduction of new stamp designs and themes.

Saudi Arabia has issued stamps from 1932, with regular issues continuing up to the present time. These stamps often feature subjects relevant to life in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government issued a set of two commemorative anti-smoking postage stamps on May 20, 1980. This was part of the World Health Day theme.

In 1981-1985, Saudi Post built three new postal centers in Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Commemorative stamps were released on July 14, 1982, to mark the occasion.

The kingdom issued two commemorative football-themed stamps on February 16, 1989. This was to coincide with the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship.

In June 2023, Saudi Post collaborated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to issue a special stamp and postcard set. This was to commemorate the Hajj pilgrimage that year.

A different take: Commemorative Us Postage Stamps

The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has put up on display a rare collection of postage stamps that chronicle contemporary Saudi history. This collection is a treasure trove for anyone interested in postal history.

The library's stamp collection comprises 13,000 stamps, including rare specimens issued during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud. This is a staggering number of stamps, and it's clear that the library has made a significant effort to preserve these historical artifacts.

The oldest stamp in the collection dates back to March 1925. This gives us a glimpse into the early days of Saudi Arabia's postal system.

A particularly significant historical stamp commemorates King Abdulaziz’s accession to the throne in 1931-1932. This stamp is a rare find, and it's fascinating to think about the events that led up to the unification of the Kingdom on Sept. 23, 1932.

The first stamp bearing the name “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” was issued in 1934, with several editions printed in various colors. This is a significant milestone in Saudi postal history, and it's interesting to see how the country's postal system developed over time.

The rare stamp collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical development of Saudi Arabia and its postal system.

If this caught your attention, see: Postage Stamps and Postal History of the United Kingdom