Construction of the University of Sarajevo Library, a New Center of Academic and Cultural Life in Progress

The University of Sarajevo today presented the progress made in the construction of the University of Sarajevo Library – a capital project that represents the most significant post-war investment in university infrastructure.

Speaking about the progress of this significant project, which represents an extremely important step not only for the University of Sarajevo, but also for the academic community of the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina, University of Sarajevo Rector, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, emphasized that libraries have always been the heart and soul of learning and research.

“Throughout history, they have been the cornerstone around which some of the oldest universities in the world have been built. When describing the rise and fall of civilizations, historians rely on libraries as measures of development, and their destruction as early signs of decline,” said Rector Zaimović. He emphasized that for the University of Sarajevo, the construction of the university library is a key milestone in its overall development, as it will provide a unique space for research and learning for students and research staff. “The library will also ensure access to information and scientific and research databases, provide ongoing support for research, as well as spaces for learning and collaboration. In addition, the university library will work to preserve our valuable written history, as well as information literacy among students and engagement of the wider community. Ultimately, the university library will be an integral part of the future academic and research experience at the University of Sarajevo, and will be a catalyst for changing the landscape of education and research, while continuing to support the core mission of our University.” emphasized Rector Zaimović, adding that the most difficult challenges in the construction of the university library have been successfully overcome – the underground works, and that starting tomorrow, above-ground activities will begin, which will quickly bring visible results of the next phase of the library construction.

Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk expressed his satisfaction at witnessing the completion of one of the most important phases of the construction of the University Library on the University of Sarajevo Campus, with which, as he said, we are literally ‘getting out of the ground’ and continuing the construction of one of the most important post-war buildings in Sarajevo.

“This library, as the central object of the Campus, will become the center of academic and cultural life, a space where knowledge, research and innovation will be nurtured. In the years to come, this part of Sarajevo will get a completely new face. On the one hand, we will have a museum district with the ArsAevi Museum of Contemporary Art, the construction of which will soon begin, and on the other, the University Library, the heart of the Campus, which will symbolize the synergy of culture and education and further enrich Sarajevo as a center of knowledge and art,” Prime Minister Uk said.

He thanked the friendly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the royal family, whose support made this important step possible.

“Without their help, we would not have been able to make such progress towards the finalization of this exceptional facility that is of great value to our University, city and country,” concluded the Prime Minister Uk.

Mr. Ali Aldosari, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to BiH, stated that relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have made progress in various fields in the last three decades. As he stated, following the instructions of the leadership, the Kingdom has made a significant contribution in providing assistance, providing grants and soft loans, thus supporting development projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the development of infrastructure, the construction of hospitals and buildings serving the education sector through its development pillar, the Saudi Fund for Development.

Mr. Aldosari emphasized that education is one of the key sectors to which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pays attention, emphasizing its importance for the development of society.

“Today we are witnessing the completion of the first phase of the construction of the university library and we hope that we will soon look forward to the grand opening. We also hope that this scientific building will contribute to the fulfillment of the educational and research goals of students in Bosnia and Herzegovina and all those involved in academic work.”

Finally, Mr. Aldosari wished further progress and prosperity to Bosnia and Herzegovina and expressed the hope that everyone would gather again at the ceremony marking the final opening of this magnificent scientific building.

The representative of the contractor JV Al-Fahd (KSA) & ANS Drive, Mr. Hossam Abdulsalam, presented the current progress in the construction of the University of Sarajevo Library building, including the completed phases of the project and plans for the next steps. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to high construction standards and a commitment to quality in the implementation of this capital project.

“Our project has reached an important milestone — we have completed all underground floors, with a total progress of 40%. The lower floors -2 and -1 are now fully constructed, formeasuring the core of the library's functional spaces, including storage areas, technical rooms, a restoration laboratory, and a reading room for graphics and cartography. When completed, the library will cover 17,564 square meters, of which 8,180 square meters have already been built,” Mr. Abdulsalam emphasized. He added that excavating to a depth of 11 meters was one of the most challenging tasks.

“We are committed to building a library that not only meets today's educational needs but will also be a valuable resource for the University of Sarajevo. With the technical precision, quality materials, and efficient methods that we have integrated into every phase, we look forward to the successful completion of this project,” emphasized Mr. Abdulsalam.

The project to build and equip the University of Sarajevo Library is being implemented thanks to a grant from the Saudi Fund for Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Upon completion of this project, the University of Sarajevo will become the owner of the building, which, in addition to its undoubted social and cultural significance, will also be remembered as a symbolic mark of the friendly relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.