Riyadh is set to welcome a new celebration of stories, imagination and young creative talent with the launch of the first-ever Riyadh Youth Literary Festival this October.
Organised by the Riyadh Writers Club, the one-day festival will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the British International School Riyadh (BISR) Al Waha Campus. Running from 10am to 4pm, the event is designed to bring together young writers, readers and aspiring creatives for a day dedicated to literature, storytelling and self-expression.
The festival will offer a range of creative writing, poetry, reading and interactive workshops aimed at helping young participants develop their skills and explore new ideas. Whether they are passionate about writing stories, experimenting with poetry or simply love reading, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with literature in an inspiring and creative environment.
To ensure that the programme is tailored to different stages of creative development, the festival will be divided into three age groups: Juniors aged 10 to 13, Seniors aged 14 to 17, and Emerging Creatives aged 18 to 19. Each group will have access to age-specific content and workshops designed around their interests and creative journeys.
One of the major highlights of the festival will be the Youth Writing Competition. Young writers will have the chance to submit their original work for evaluation, with selected entries recognised on stage. Grand winners will receive trophies across two age categories, offering budding authors an exciting platform to showcase their talent.
The programme will also offer valuable opportunities for older students looking beyond the page. Sessions for Emerging Creatives will explore creative development, academic opportunities and potential career pathways, with professionals from the creative industries sharing insights and experiences.
Parents will also have something to look forward to, with a complimentary session led by a teacher involved in curriculum development for international schools. The session is designed to offer guidance to parents supporting young people with an interest in writing and creativity.
Tickets for the Riyadh Youth Literary Festival are priced at SAR 290, with attendees required to complete a separate registration process for access to the BISR Al Waha campus after purchasing their tickets.
As Riyadh’s cultural scene continues to grow, the festival promises to create a dedicated space for the next generation of storytellers. For young people with stories to tell and ideas waiting to be explored, the Riyadh Youth Literary Festival could be the perfect place to begin.
