The Institute of Arabic Manuscripts is the Arab national body specialised in serving the Arabic manuscript heritage. It was established in 1946 under the umbrella of the League of Arab States, one year after its founding, to play a pioneering role in preserving this rich cultural and scientific heritage, serving it and making it available to successive generations.

Over the course of nearly eight decades, the Institute has continued to fulfil its regional role, aspiring to establish itself as a leading global center in the field of preserving the Arabic manuscript heritage, introducing it, making it available, studying it, teaching its sciences and publishing it, and enhancing its cultural and scientific value. It also works to raise awareness of the importance of Arabic manuscripts and to deepen the understanding and appreciation of them as an authentic part of humanity's cultural heritage, making them available to different groups, ages and nationalities in the Arab world and beyond.