Taif to host Writers & Readers Festival in January

The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has announced that the third edition of the Writers & Readers Festival will be held in Taif from Jan. 9-15, under the theme “Your Presence Matters.” (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 28 December 2025
Follow

Taif to host Writers & Readers Festival in January

TAIF: The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has announced that the third edition of the Writers & Readers Festival will be held in Taif from Jan. 9-15, under the theme “Your Presence Matters.”

The selection of the city of Taif comes as an extension of its distinguished cultural standing, as a city listed within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and as the first Creative City of Literature in the Kingdom.

This status reflects Taif’s deep historical and cultural significance and its well-established presence in Saudi Arabia’s literary memory, granting the festival a distinctive dimension that brings together the authenticity of place and the modernity of experience, while strengthening the connection of generations with culture and knowledge.

The programs will feature a diverse lineup of literary sessions, intellectual discussions, and open literary dialogues. In addition, the festival will include innovative educational and youth-focused activities for children and young adults to foster a love of reading from an early age.

The organization of the third edition of the Writers & Readers Festival comes amid the growing cultural momentum witnessed in the Kingdom and the opening of new horizons for creativity and artistic expression.


Visitors flock to enjoy Jazan during school break

Updated 12 January 2026
Follow

Visitors flock to enjoy Jazan during school break

RIYADH: The mild weather and range of recreational activities on offer means waterfronts and public parks across Jazan are welcoming an influx of visitors during the school break.

Mayor Yahya Al-Ghazwani said the municipality had prepared many recreational spaces ahead of the holiday, including 22 waterfronts, 236 public parks, 20 scenic overlooks, 203 sports fields and 214 walkways, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Designated family-friendly areas have been provided at waterfronts and public parks, offering facilities such as seating areas, green spaces, children’s play zones, kiosks and a wide selection of restaurants and cafés.

Al-Ghazwani said the diversity of public facilities has boosted community participation in recreational activities. Popular activities include walking and cycling, as well as water sports such as swimming and beach volleyball.

He added the municipality had increased its efforts to prepare and maintain the areas, along with more monitoring of commercial establishments, to enhance services.

Jazan’s parks are central to the region’s quality of life projects, which directly align with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of building a vibrant society, improving living standards and enhancing urban beauty.