The Diriyah Storytelling Festival is a cornerstone cultural event of Diriyah Season; the immersive arts festival transforms the historic heart of the Kingdom into a vibrant hub dedicated to the art of narrative and shared experience.
Set against the UNESCO World Heritage site's rich historical backdrop, the festival aims to celebrate the enduring power of words, highlight Saudi identity, and connect traditional oral history with modern literary forms. It serves as a national platform bringing together leading authors, storytellers, and creative experts from across Saudi Arabia and the world, fulfilling the vision of nurturing literary creativity and cultural dialogue.
For the 2025 edition, the Diriyah Storytelling Festival will run for two weeks, from November 16 to November 29, 2025.
The main activities are concentrated in the historically significant Al-Bujairi District, which once served as a cultural and educational centre during the First Saudi State. Key event features include an extensive program of over 40 workshops and panel discussions offered in both Arabic and English, alongside more than 20 engaging lectures and inspiring evening sessions featuring over 30 speakers. The workshop topics are interesting and led by experts in the world of arts and culture, some of the events taking place include:
- Workshop: Translating Meaning in Stories
- Workshop: The Writer's Path & Creative Tools
- Lecture: Reimagining the Past
- Lecture: Writing Society on Screen
- Panel Discussion: Pivotal Turning Points and Their Impact on Fantasy Worlds in Graphic Storytelling
- Panel Discussion: Preserving Saudi Cultural Memory Through Storytelling
- Panel Discussion: Capturing Legacy and Historical Storytelling
The festival promises immersive literary experiences that bridge various art forms, where storytelling intersects with music and visual arts. Beyond the talks and workshops, visitors can explore a dedicated novel fair, participate in book signings, enjoy a tranquil reading sanctuary, and attend storytelling and performing arts showcases. The rich cultural event further enriches the local cultural landscape by hosting a Writers’ Retreat, bringing together established and emerging Saudi novelists for intensive courses led by international experts, underscoring the festival’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Saudi storytellers.
Diriyah Storytelling Festival, from November 16 to November 29, 2025
Open everyday from 5pm, Tickets are priced from SAR115 per person
Al-Bujairi District, Diriyah, Riyadh
Buy your tickets here
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