Young Saudi authors reshape Kingdom's literary landscape

Arab News

7 days ago

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia undergoes a cultural transformation under Vision 2030, a new generation of writers is reshaping the country's literary scene.
One of the most notable developments has been the rise of Saudi authors under the age of 35, many of whom are finding new pathways. These writers are contributing to a literary landscape that increasingly embraces genres such as science, fiction, and fantasy.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the Saudi Young Writers Forum, Linah Alshaalan, a Saudi author, said the Kingdom's literary scene today offers a ripe environment full of opportunities for emerging voices.
• One of the most notable developments has been the rise of Saudi authors under the age of 35, many of whom are finding new pathways.
• Raad Aleid, founder of the Saudi Young Writers Forum, underscored the need for stronger structural support, particularly when it comes to international recognition, translation efforts, and adapting to emerging technologies such as AI.
'This is a golden age for authors and creatives to come about and to try to find their way and find their path in this field, because it's full of opportunities for newcomers and also older people,' she told Arab News.
Alshaalan published her first novel in 2024 through a Ministry of Culture initiative focused on supporting literary genres, such as science fiction.
Her book was later nominated for cinematic adaptation. She described this moment as encouraging for new writers seeking to establish themselves in a rapidly evolving scene.
Linah Alshaalan, Saudi author
Alshaalan said the broader transformation underway in the Kingdom is changing how Saudi literature is perceived and consumed.
'Today, authors have the ability to produce stories that are placing Saudi cultural symbols in the future. So we're saying we don't only exist in the past, next to a camel and a palm tree. No, our camel and our palm tree exist in the future as well. And we are thriving in that future,' she said.
Alshaalan also pointed to Gen Z as a key force shaping literary trends in Saudi Arabia, particularly through their rejection of elitism, and embrace of direct, honest storytelling.
Today, authors have the ability to produce stories that are placing Saudi cultural symbols in the future. So we're saying we don't only exist in the past, next to a camel and a palm tree. No, our camel and our palm tree exist in the future as well. And we are thriving in that future.
Linah Alshaalan, Saudi author
'One thing that I really appreciate about Gen Z is that they are kind of undermining this idea that a literary critic or a literary person is somebody who lives in an ivory tower, very high up,' she said.
She noted that younger readers have become powerful tastemakers in the digital age. 'They have a very strong online presence, which means that they have a very loud voice and very strong influence,' she added.
'Gen Zers resonate the most with authentic voices,' Alshaalan said. 'People who are speaking from the heart, people who are not trying to hide behind or whatever it is. They are trying to be authentic, and I think authenticity is the number one tool for authors.'
Despite the progress, Alshaalan said there is a need for legal protections and clearer regulations in the publishing industry to support new authors and protect their rights.
'I think maybe regulating the industry a little bit more to make and implement some rules and some regulation to protect the individual … because (for) an individual writer, an individual author, the biggest challenge is not having legal literacy when it comes to the contracts that you sign with a publisher or whoever,' she said.
'We need to outline the responsibility of the publisher that justifies their percentage of the book,' she added.
Artificial intelligence is another factor shaping the creative landscape. Alshaalan, whose novel centers on a rogue AI, said the technology can be helpful, but not in replacing the human core of storytelling.
'Now, to write anything, if you just have a concept or an idea, you can just feed it into the AI and see it more fleshed out. It helps people. But a good author that cares about their own integrity would probably not rely on it too much,' she said. 'I don't think it's ready yet to offer something with meaningful substance.'
Raad Aleid, founder of the Saudi Young Writers Forum, underscored the need for stronger structural support, particularly when it comes to international recognition, translation efforts, and adapting to emerging technologies such as AI.
'I believe promoting Saudi Arabia's presence through writing still requires significant effort. There is still a need for more empowerment,' Aleid told Arab News.
He said translation initiatives are a positive step, but more needs to be done. 'The Literature Commission is currently working through the translation initiative to translate Saudi works into other languages, but I think there are additional options, such as encouraging foreign authors to write about Saudi Arabia and publishing new Saudi books in other languages, not just translating older titles,' he added.
Aleid also called for greater representation of young Saudi writers at global forums and highlighted the need for legislation to regulate AI in creative fields.