Tired of AI slop dominating your FYPs? Disconnect from everything in Western Saudi Arabia because the much-awaited Writers and Readers Festival Taif 2026 is coming back.
Set to be launched by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival will offer an integrated cultural and entertainment experience.
The third edition of the all-things books and reading celebrations in Taif will spotlight writers and readers of all ages through a contemporary format that blends historical depth with modern culture.
Why Taif? It is a UNESCO Creative City and the first Creative City of Literature in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its deep-rooted literary and cultural legacy.
Writers and Readers Festival Taif 2026
The festival brings together local and international writers in a dynamic celebration featuring poetry readings, musical and performing arts showcases, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. Alongside this, it presents a varied program of literary discussions and meetings, as well as engaging educational activities for children and young people, designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Writers and Readers Festival Taif 2026 location
The bookish event will be taking over the open-air Arrudaf Park in Taif City.
Writers and Readers Festival Taif 2026 dates and time
You’ll be able to explore the seven-day celebration from Friday, January 9 to Thursday, January 15. The festival will run from 4pm to 11.55pm daily.
Writers and Readers Festival Taif 2026 tickets
Tickets for the free event have gone live on webook.com. All you have to do is book one on the app.
What to expect at the Writers and Readers Festival Taif 2026
Blending a strong sense of place with a fresh, modern vibe, the festival brings generations together through culture, conversation, and creativity. Expect lively literary talks and open dialogues, hands-on activities that get kids and teens excited about reading, and live performances that celebrate diversity and artistic flair. All of it comes together in a warm, immersive cultural experience that’s as entertaining as it is inspiring.
Books and Saudi
The Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is known for hosting record-breaking bookish events. From the capital city’s annual beloved Riyadh International Bookfair to Jeddah’s ever-popular bookfair, the commission has been silently growing the appreciation for the written word, one cool celebration at a time.
Free. 4pm-11.55pm. Fri Jan 9-Thu Jan 15. Arrudaf Park, Taif, webook.com.
