Literary festival brings writers, readers to Taif

Image: SPA
Short Url
Updated 07 January 2026
Follow

Literary festival brings writers, readers to Taif

  • Taif’s selection as host highlights its rich literary heritage and vibrant cultural scene

TAIF: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission will host the third Writers and Readers Festival at Arruddaf Park in Taif from Jan. 9 to 15.

Taif’s selection as host highlights its rich literary heritage and vibrant cultural scene, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Taif is the first city in the Kingdom to be recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Literature, the SPA added. 

The festival celebrates local and international writers through poetry readings, musical performances, performing arts, exhibitions, and interactive displays.

It also offers a diverse program of meetings and literary dialogues, and educational activities for children and adolescents, to foster a love for reading.

Live performances will provide a comprehensive cultural experience combining education and entertainment, the SPA reported.

The festival will be open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight.


Saudi and New Zealand foreign ministers discussed Mideast situation

Updated 10 March 2026
Follow

Saudi and New Zealand foreign ministers discussed Mideast situation

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the current situation in the Middle East with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Peters expressed New Zealand’s condemnation of Iran’s indiscriminate attacks on the Kingdom and thanked Riyadh for its efforts to protect foreign nationals, including New Zealanders inside the Kingdom.
The Saudi military has shot down numerous missiles and drones fired by Tehran toward the Kingdom since the US and Israel began a large-scale military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28.
The Saudi Defense Ministry said early Tuesday that it had shot down a ballistic missile in the Eastern Province after knocking out several drones targeting the Shaybah oil field in the Empty quarter on Friday evening.