In February 2024, Riyadh became the stage for an unforgettable celebration of poetry and artistic expression. Over the course of three consecutive evenings, Poetry Nights unfolded in the capital, each day honouring poetry through a unique lens, bringing together voices from the UK, Saudi Arabia, and across Europe in a powerful cultural dialogue.
The event, hosted by the British Council Saudi Arabia in partnership with EUNIC, Sidra Arts, and the Ministry of Culture, was more than just a series of readings, it was a creative journey exploring the role of poetry in today’s world.
The festival opened with a truly special evening titled "Poetry and Imagination in the Age of AI," which brought together two exceptional literary figures from opposite ends of the cultural map: UK award-winning poet Astrid Alben and Saudi novelist and scholar Dr. Monther Alkabbani. Their dialogue on stage was not just a conversation; it was a meeting of minds that bridged genres, geographies, and generations.
Astrid Alben, known for her thought-provoking poetry and multidisciplinary approach, brought a fresh and dynamic perspective to the evening. Her work often blends science, philosophy, and art, and she is celebrated not only as a poet but also as a curator and cultural thinker. With her background in both the sciences and the humanities, Astrid guided the audience through the ways poetry can open up new ways of seeing and thinking, particularly in an age shaped by technology and rapid change.
On the other side of the conversation, Dr. Monther Alkabbani, a best-selling novelist and one of Saudi Arabia’s leading literary voices, offered insights grounded in storytelling, history, and Arabic literary tradition. Known for his deep narratives and compelling characters, Dr. Alkabbani brought to the stage a rich understanding of how stories shape culture and identity. His reflections on the role of literature in Saudi society added a powerful local context to the dialogue.
Together, Astrid and Dr. Monther explored the creative process, what sparks it, how it evolves, and how it can be nurtured in a fast-changing world. A standout moment of the evening was their discussion on the potential of artificial intelligence in literature. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, both speakers considered how it might be used as a creative tool, challenging writers to rethink form, language, and process in exciting new ways.
This first evening set the tone for the rest of the festival, not just as a celebration of poetry, but as a space for meaningful exchange, bold ideas, and cross-cultural dialogue. Through the words of Astrid Alben and Dr. Monther Alkabbani, the audience experienced first-hand how poetry can bridge worlds, challenge assumptions, and spark new beginnings.
On the second day was the European Poetry Nights in Riyadh and it was a beautiful celebration of culture, language, and connection. Held in partnership with EUNIC, the British Council Saudi Arabia hosted UK poet Astrid Alben as part of the European Night of Poetry, alongside poets from across Europe. The event took place on a rooftop in the heart of the city, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere under the open sky. Poets shared their work in several European languages, and English translations helped everyone follow along and enjoy the meaning behind the words.
Astrid Alben brought depth and emotion to the evening, representing the UK with her thoughtful and engaging poetry. Her performance blended perfectly with the voices of other poets, showing how different cultures can connect through shared creativity. The event also honoured Arabic poetry, with Saudi poets reading their work alongside their European peers, marking Saudi Arabia’s Year of Arabic Poetry. The combination of languages and styles created a rich and memorable experience for the audience.
Live music by the Saudi Music Hub added another layer to the evening, with soft melodies that matched the mood of the poetry. The event brought together people from many backgrounds, local and international, who were united by their love of words. It was a reminder that poetry can cross borders, spark dialogue, and bring people closer together in meaningful ways.
The final evening of the Cultural Poetry Nights delivered a deeply moving close to the series. Under the theme “Poetry Connects Us,” British Council Saudi Arabia facilitated a meaningful collaboration between Astrid Alben and Saudi poet Ghassan Alkhunaizi, both celebrated voices in their respective countries.
Hosted in collaboration with Sidra Arts at JAX District and with the Ministry of Culture as the Literary Partner, the event was a standout moment in Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar. The two poets shared the stage, performing their work in English and Arabic, weaving together narratives that spoke of identity, imagination, and collaboration.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the Translation Project, a publication resulting from eight weeks of collaboration between Astrid Alben and Ghassan Alkhunaizi, featuring a selection of Astrid’s poems translated into Arabic. The session, moderated by journalist Sulafah Alkhunaizi, kept the audience deeply engaged, while musician Raif Bukhari added a soulful layer to the experience with improvised melodies that beautifully echoed the poets’ words.
Over the span of three days, Poetry Nights in Riyadh offered far more than poetry readings, it was a celebration of cultural exchange, artistic experimentation, and human connection. Each evening brought a new perspective, but together, they formed one powerful narrative: that poetry still connects us, across time, across language, and borders.
