In 1919, at the age of only 13, Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, led a delegation on a five-month long trip to Britain, Ireland and France. He later became king of Saudi Arabia and an international figure of immense importance. The journey had an enduring influence, helping to shape the young prince into the regional and international leader he would become. The King Faisal Centre of Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) is pleased to present the exhibition; Faisal: A Life at the Heart of the 20th Century, commemorating the centenary of this important journey.

The exhibition follows Faisal’s journey through the destinations he visited during his 1919 trip. Laid out as seven chapters, each presents Faisal’s experiences and explores how this visit affected the prince, informed his character, how he led his life and his subsequent impact on Saudi Arabian and world history. The exhibition also features three audio-visual stops where particular aspects of Faisal’s life are presented in interviews with those who knew him, alongside historical footage of the journey.