Jeddah Literary Club concludes Text Reading Forum to promote Saudi literature
The Jeddah Literary Association concluded Text Reading , which focused on "The Prospects of Saudi Literature in Light of Vision 2030." At the forum's conclusion, participants expressed their deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – for their unwavering support of cultural and literary activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Historical roots and cultural development in the context of text reading
The Jeddah Literary and Cultural Club is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Kingdom, having been founded in the mid-1970s as a beacon of intellectual enlightenment. In this context, the Text Reading Forum a leading annual cultural event that has been running for over two decades, serving as a vibrant platform that brings together a distinguished group of critics, writers, and thinkers from within the Kingdom and abroad.
Over the years, this forum has contributed to documenting the Saudi literary movement and its transformations, making it a key resource for researchers and academics. This year's edition reaffirms the continuity of this cultural legacy, focusing on institutionalizing literary work and transforming it into a productive sector that effectively contributes to the national creative economy.
National strategy and ambitious translation programs
At the conclusion of the forum, the participants issued nine important strategic recommendations, foremost among them the call to prepare a comprehensive national strategy for Saudi literature that integrates with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This strategy aims to enhance the presence of local literature in international forums.
The participants also called for the launch of an ambitious national translation program dedicated to translating Saudi literary works into major world languages. This initiative would enhance cultural exchange and highlight national identity, while also emphasizing the importance of establishing a national database to document literary output and facilitate access for researchers. Furthermore, they stressed the need to publish scholarly research to serve as a reliable resource for future generations.
The expected impact of Saudi literature locally, regionally, and internationally
The outcomes of this forum are of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, they contribute to enhancing cultural awareness and building a vibrant society that cherishes its identity and heritage. Regionally, they solidify the Kingdom's position as a capital of Arab culture and a center of intellectual influence.
On the international level, translating Saudi literature and participating in global book fairs will open new avenues for intercultural dialogue, reflecting the true and bright image of the Kingdom. The Ministry of Culture and its affiliated bodies, such as the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, play a pivotal role in sponsoring and supporting these initiatives to ensure the sustainability of cultural contributions.
Empowering youth and employing artificial intelligence
The forum stressed in its recommendations the need to empower young talents through training programs and literary incubators that connect them with local and international opportunities, while enhancing the presence of contemporary literature in educational curricula.
The participants called for maximizing the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence tools in developing and disseminating literary works. The events also included tributes to the writer Mohammed Ali Quds, honoring him as a cultural and national icon, and expressing appreciation for the support provided by the University of Business and Technology and other supporters of the literary scene in the Makkah region.
Cultural tourism and international partnerships
The participants recommended linking literature to cultural tourism by highlighting literary sites and symbols within national tourism experiences, which would contribute to enriching the knowledge content of visitors and stimulating domestic tourism.
The recommendations concluded with a call to strengthen international cultural partnerships and active participation in global forums in cooperation with literary societies in various regions of the Kingdom, stressing that the solidarity of cultural institutions is the way to advance pioneering projects that preserve the Saudi Arabian identity and enhance its global presence.
