Taif: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission will launch the third edition of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif from January 9 to 15, 2026, at Arruddaf Park. The festival offers an integrated cultural and entertainment experience, a vibrant space celebrating writers and readers of all ages, delivered through a contemporary approach that blends the depth of history with the spirit of modern culture.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the commission's selection of Taif reflects the city's distinguished cultural standing as a UNESCO Creative City and the first city in the Kingdom to be designated as a Creative City of Literature. This status underscores Taif's historical and cultural depth and its enduring presence in Saudi literary memory, adding a distinctive dimension to the festival that combines the authenticity of place with the modernity of experience, while strengthening generational ties to culture and knowledge.
The festival features a rich and diverse program that includes meetings and open literary dialogues, reinforcing its role as a platform for discussion, exchange of expertise, and enrichment of the literary scene. It also offers innovative educational and youth-focused activities for children and adolescents, nurturing a love of reading and fostering early engagement with books through content that blends enjoyment with knowledge. In addition, the festival features live performances that reflect cultural diversity and artistic innovation, delivering a comprehensive cultural hospitality experience that integrates educational, intellectual, and entertainment elements.
The organization of the third edition of the festival comes amid the Kingdom's growing cultural momentum and expanding opportunities for creativity and artistic expression. Through the festival, the commission seeks to celebrate writers and readers as the cornerstone of the cultural production cycle, in continuation of its ongoing efforts to develop the cultural sector.