Diriyah, January 25, 2025 – In a celebration of storytelling and literature, Diriyah Season will kick off the highly anticipated Diriyah Storytelling Festival on January 30, 2025. Set to run through February 8, the festival is positioned as the largest and most immersive event of its kind in the region. It will bring together over 150 prominent speakers, experts, and performers, each a leader in their respective literary fields. Additionally, more than 50 publishing houses and specialized libraries are set to participate, creating an extraordinary platform for literature lovers and creatives alike.
Taking place across three iconic locations in Diriyah – the Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel, and Al-Dhawihra Farm – the festival will offer a diverse range of experiences for all those with a passion for literature. These areas, rich in historical and cultural significance, will serve as the perfect backdrop for a series of events that highlight the power and magic of storytelling. The festival is primarily designed for literature and novel enthusiasts but promises to engage anyone with an interest in the art of storytelling, creative writing, and the vibrant world of books.
A key feature of the festival will be its comprehensive exhibition, which will allow participants to explore a variety of narratives and discover new authors and publications. The event will also feature a series of storytelling nights that promise to be both captivating and enriching. These sessions will delve deep into the worlds created by authors, providing an exclusive look into their creative processes and the personal experiences behind the stories they bring to life. Alongside these narratives, participants can attend high-quality discussion panels where renowned authors, critics, and industry experts will explore a broad spectrum of topics, from the craft of writing to the broader cultural impact of literature.
Beyond the panels and exhibitions, the Diriyah Storytelling Festival will offer a wide range of workshops aimed at sparking creativity and honing skills in various aspects of storytelling. These workshops will cover specialized topics such as writing, music production, screen aesthetics, and book cover design, as well as the adaptation of novels into animated series, films, or theatrical productions. These hands-on, engaging sessions will be a highlight for aspiring writers, filmmakers, and creatives eager to explore the intersection of storytelling and multimedia.
The festival will also feature a vibrant novel fair, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore a curated selection of literary works, meet authors for book signings, and discover hidden literary gems. A tranquil reading sanctuary will offer a peaceful retreat for visitors, allowing them to immerse themselves in books, while a dedicated stage for storytelling and performing arts will bring narratives to life through dynamic performances. Additionally, the festival will introduce unique experiences such as role-playing and adaptations of iconic cinematic scripts, live cooking demonstrations, and tastings of dishes inspired by celebrated novels and films.
For younger attendees, the festival will include a "Little Storyteller" area, designed to foster the creative potential of children through hands-on activities. This area will offer a range of novelty workshops and theatrical performances aimed at teaching children the basics of storytelling, story creation, illustration, and puppet making. It’s a perfect space for nurturing the next generation of storytellers, providing them with both the tools and the inspiration to craft their own stories.
One of the most unique and exciting aspects of the Diriyah Storytelling Festival will be the inaugural Writers’ Retreat. Running for eight days, this retreat will bring together a select group of both established and emerging Saudi novelists. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wadi Safar at Minzal, the retreat will offer participants a serene environment, far removed from the bustle of city life, allowing them to focus on their craft. The retreat will include intensive, specialized courses led by international literary experts, providing invaluable mentorship to the participants. This initiative underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering and supporting local talent, as well as providing a platform for Saudi storytellers to refine their narratives and share them with the world.
The Diriyah Storytelling Festival is part of the larger Diriyah Season 24/25 program, which is centered around the theme "Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity." The festival reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to culture, creativity, and the arts, positioning Diriyah as a key destination for both local and international literary enthusiasts. It also aims to provide a space for specialists and creatives to come together, nurture their passions, and contribute to the ongoing development of the literary world. By showcasing both established and emerging voices in literature, the Diriyah Storytelling Festival promises to be a landmark event that celebrates the richness of storytelling and its enduring impact on culture.
The festival’s diverse range of events, activities, and workshops ensures that it will be a must-attend occasion for anyone passionate about literature and the art of storytelling. It is set to become a key event in Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar, drawing literary enthusiasts from across the Kingdom and beyond.