RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival, a vibrant event for literature lovers, will begin on Jan. 30.

The event will take place across three key locations in Diriyah: Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel and Al-Dhawihra Farm, offering distinctive experiences.

Running until Feb. 8, the festival will host more than 150 speakers, experts and performers in the field of literature.

More than 50 publishing houses and specialized libraries will also participate.

The festival provides opportunities to interact with experts and explore the art of storytelling through exhibitions, storytelling nights and discussion sessions.

Workshops will cover topics such as writing, storytelling, music production, screen design, book cover creation and adapting novels into animated series, films or dramas.

Visitors can also enjoy a book fair, reading spaces, book signings, storytelling performances and activities such as role-playing, script adaptations, live cooking and tastings of dishes inspired by famous novels and films.

The festival will feature a “Little Storyteller” area designed to nurture children’s skills through engaging workshops and theatrical performances.

These activities will focus on storytelling techniques, story creation and illustration, as well as puppet-making and manipulation.

The festival will also host its inaugural writers’ retreat, an eight-day program bringing together a curated group of established and emerging Saudi novelists in Diriyah.

Participants will take part in intensive courses led by international experts, aimed at nurturing Saudi storytelling talent and empowering them to share their stories with a global audience.

The festival is part of Diriyah Season’s diverse lineup of events, held under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity.”