Diriyah Storytelling Festival to Start January 30
Diriyah Season will launch the Diriyah Storytelling Festival, the largest event of its kind in the region, on January 30. Running until February 8, the festival will feature over 150 speakers, experts, and performers who are leading figures in the field of literature. More than 50 publishing houses and specialized libraries will participate as well.
Taking place across three areas rich in events and quality experiences in Diriyah -- the Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel, and Al-Dhawihra Farm -- the festival primarily targets literature and novel enthusiasts, serving as a vibrant platform for interaction with leading experts in the field.
It allows participants to closely explore the world of novels through a comprehensive exhibition, distinctive storytelling nights, and high-quality discussion sessions that explore the realms created by authors, as well as the personal experiences behind the stories that are revealed for the first time.
It also features enriching novelty workshops that cover a variety of specialized topics, including writing and storytelling, music production, screen aesthetics, book cover design, and the adaptation of novels into animated series, films, or dramatic works.
The festival features a novel fair, a tranquil reading sanctuary, a section for the publication and signing of novels, a stage for storytelling and performing arts, as well as a variety of unique experiences for visitors. These include role-playing and adaptations of global cinematic scripts, live cooking demonstrations, and tastings of dishes inspired by renowned novels and films.
There is a "Little Storyteller" area aimed at developing children's skills through engaging novelty workshops and entertaining theatrical performances, designed to train them in storytelling techniques, story creation and illustration, as well as puppet making and manipulation.
The Diriyah Storytelling Festival is distinguished by its inaugural Writers' Retreat, which will take place for eight days in Diriyah, bringing together a carefully selected mix of both established and emerging Saudi novelists. Set away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it offers a serene environment under the stars with a stunning view of Wadi Safar at Minzal. The retreat includes intensive specialized courses led by several international experts, aimed at supporting Saudi storytellers and enabling them to create and share their narratives with the world.
The festival is part of a series of high-quality programs and activities offered during Diriyah Season 24/25, under the theme "Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity." It aims to create an attractive space for specialists and creatives, fulfilling their interests and nurturing their passions. Additionally, it serves as a destination for enthusiasts of this genre of literature, which enjoys a significant following both in the Kingdom and globally.
