The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex, on the north-western side of Madinah, is one of the largest Qur’an printing facilities in the world. Since opening in the mid-1980s it has produced hundreds of millions of copies of the Mushaf, as well as translations of its meanings in dozens of languages, recitations and Qur’anic studies.
A guided tour shows the care that goes into every copy, from scholarly review to binding, and is a favourite with families and students.
Why the Quran Printing Complex was founded
Allah says, “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder, and indeed We will be its guardian” (Qur’an 15:9). Since the time of the Companions, Muslims have taken great care to write and copy the Mushaf accurately. The complex was founded to continue that work on a modern scale, opening in 1405 AH (1984/85 CE).
Its best-known product is the Madinah Mushaf, written by the Syrian calligrapher ‘Uthman Taha and reviewed by committees of Qur’an scholars. It follows the recitation of Hafs from ‘Asim, with other editions for the narrations of Warsh, Qalun and al-Duri used in different parts of the Muslim world.
What you will see at the Quran Printing Complex
Visitor tours usually follow the production line and its exhibits:
- Displays on the history of writing the Mushaf, from early manuscripts to modern calligraphy.
- Review stages, where specialists check every page by eye for any error before approval.
- Printing halls with large presses, and the folding, sewing and binding lines.
- Samples of translations of the meanings and audio recordings produced by the complex.
What you can see depends on the tour route and production that day. Visitors are often given a copy of the Mushaf as a gift at the end.
How to visit the Quran Printing Complex
The complex lies on the Tabuk road on the north-western edge of the city, roughly 10 km from Masjid an-Nabawi, or 15 to 20 minutes by taxi. Tours are guided and run at set times, usually in the morning on working days; they are often arranged in advance through hotels, tour operators or the complex itself. Arrangements for women and families vary, so confirm beforehand. Allow about an hour at the Quran Printing Complex. The route is indoors and air-conditioned.
Etiquette during your visit
Practical tips
Book ahead
Ask your hotel or operator to arrange a tour slot early in your stay.
Bring ID
Take your passport or ID; security checks are standard.
Go in the morning
Tours mostly run in the morning on working days.
Quran Printing Complex quick facts
| City | Madinah (Tabuk road) |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 10 km north-west of Masjid an-Nabawi |
| Time needed | About 1 hour |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Difficulty | Easy: indoor route |
| Open to visitors | Yes, by guided tour at set times; arrange in advance |
King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex
About 10 km north-west of Masjid an-Nabawi
Open in Google MapsNearby ziyarat- Jabal al-Rumat (Archers’ Hill)3.6 km
- Mount Uhud and the Martyrs3.7 km
- Bir Uthman (Bi’r Rumah)5.7 km
- Masjid al-Ijabah6.5 km
Learn more about the complex at qurancomplex.gov.sa. Plan your Madinah days with the ziyarat route planner, read the Madinah ziyarat guide, or see all sites on the ziyarat hub.
Quran Printing Complex: frequently asked questions
Do I need to book a tour?
It is best to arrange it in advance through your hotel, operator or the complex. Walk-in visits are not always possible.
Will I receive a Mushaf?
Visitors are often given a copy as a gift, but this is not guaranteed.
Can women and children visit?
Families do visit, but arrangements vary. Confirm when you book.
Which recitation does the Madinah Mushaf follow?
The best-known edition follows Hafs from ‘Asim; other editions follow Warsh, Qalun and al-Duri.
Planning your days in Madinah? Our Madinah city guide has live prayer times, the weather, the local time and every ziyarah in the city on one page.
Make the most of your Madinah days
We can arrange a Qur’an complex tour alongside your prayers in Masjid an-Nabawi.