Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah): held a panel discussion on Tuesday evening on the life of King Abdulaziz, featuring Dr. Saad Al-Arifi as a guest and moderated by Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdullatif. The session highlighted various aspects of the founder's life, particularly the moment his first photo was taken early in his political and military career.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Al-Arifi discussed the biography of the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, indicating that he was born in Al-Hukm Palace in Riyadh in 1293 AH (1876 CE) and was raised under his parents' care. He added that King Abdulaziz received his early education from Sheikh Abdullah Al-Kharji, learning reading and writing, and memorized the entire holy Quran under the guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Musaybeh.

He also noted that the late King Abdulaziz was highly physically fit, tall and strong, and demonstrated skills in horsemanship and archery from the age of seven. He added that the late king also showed notable intelligence and leadership during his childhood.

The session also covered the late King Abdulaziz's period in Kuwait, where he moved in 1311 AH (1893 CE) and lived for nine years. During this time, he observed political developments in the region, which helped him develop early political awareness and a distinguished leadership personality, and he attended political councils.

Moreover, Dr. Al-Arifi reviewed key milestones in the late King Abdulaziz's life, such as the recapture of Riyadh in 1319 AH, when he began his campaign from Kuwait and regained the city following the famous Battle of Al-Masmak. He also tackled the story and details of the photograph, including the visit of the French and Russians to Kuwait, their meeting with the late King Abdulaziz, and his hosting of them at his residence in Kuwait.

This session is among the important cultural events organized by Darah to document the history of the Kingdom and the life of its founder, the late King Abdulaziz, whose efforts culminated in the unification of Saudi Arabia.