The Taif Writers and Readers Festival is less a cultural celebration than a statement of industrial intent.
The third annual Writers and Readers Festival has transformed Al-Rudaf Park in Taif into a seven-day literary marketplace, running until 15 January 2026.
Organised by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission (LPTC), the event positions Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO City of Literature as a serious hub for the regional publishing industry.
With 42 prominent publishing houses exhibiting and 270 programmed events, the festival represents a significant commercial opportunity for industry professionals.
Your Presence Matters
“Your Presence Matters,” the festival slogan, reflects an explicit strategy to embed literature within daily life – a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030’s quality-of-life objectives. Dr Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, LPTC CEO, confirmed the commission’s commitment to “anchoring culture in the public sphere” and creating “a nurturing environment for Saudi literature and authors to enhance literary production and market it locally, regionally, and globally.”
Industry Infrastructure on Display
The festival’s scale demonstrates tangible publishing sector growth. Visitors can access 176 cultural activities, 84 theatrical performances, and seven musical and poetry evenings. Twenty artisanal platforms enable publishers to evaluate print-based products, while interactive installations showcase historical literary figures and contemporary manga.
The children’s programming – five distinct sections with hands-on activities and educational games – indicates a strategic investment in developing future readership, a critical consideration for long-term market sustainability.
UNESCO City of Literature Status
Taif’s October 2023 designation as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Literature provides international validation of these efforts.
The LPTC has explicitly linked the festival to Taif’s UNESCO status, stating the event “embodies this approach by offering a comprehensive cultural and entertainment experience” in a city with “significant cultural standing and rich literary heritage.”
The View From The Beach
For international publishers, the festival represents a gateway to a market actively building its literary ecosystem. The LPTC’s support for translation projects, evidenced by its very name, suggests opportunities for rights deals and collaborative partnerships. The commission’s 2019 Writing Retreat programme, which invites international authors to Taif, further indicates openness to cross-cultural literary exchange.
The Taif Writers and Readers Festival is less a cultural celebration than a statement of industrial intent.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
