Writing Retreats Program

Writing Retreats Program is one of the strategic initiatives of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, which aims to create opportunities for Saudi authors to exchange experiences and expertise with their international counterparts. This allows for international cultural communication through various literary cultures blending amid a stimulating literary environment for writing and creativity. The commission launched the program in 2019 and welcomed writers from different nationalities. The retreat includes discussion sessions, touristic tours in specific regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and dedicated time for work and writing.

The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission held writing retreats in Qassim Province in 2019, as-Sudah in Aseer Province in September 2021, and al-Ula Governorate in November 2021.

By organizing writing retreats, the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission seeks to provide additional opportunities to exchange experiences and expertise between writers in the Kingdom and abroad, promoting international cultural communication through contact with different cultures in a literary climate that encourages writing and creativity.

On November 21, 2021, the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission hosted a virtual meeting entitled 'Writing Retreats and Writers Residencies'. The meeting welcomed authors who had previously participated in local and international writing retreats to enhance and develop the Kingdom's Writing Retreats Program and Writers Residency.

The meeting discussed the impact of retreat environments on participants' literary works and explored the global experiences of writers. Additionally, it involved listening to suggestions and ideas from participating authors to enhance the experience of writing retreats and writers residencies; their classification, locations, and the number of participants to facilitate greater engagement with writers and foster a stimulating environment for literary production.

The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is developing a platform for the Writing Retreats Program and Writers Residency. This platform aims to facilitate participation and showcase images, videos, literary works, and key insights from retreat participants. The goal is to leverage the acquired experiences and skills, enrich literary content, and empower participants.