The Samer and Muhawarah event has opened at Al Adl Square in the Qasr Al Hukm district of Riyadh, with the participation of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in cooperation with the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, from 22 March to 2 May 2026.

Reviving the Folk Arts

The event is part of the cultural bodies' efforts to highlight the national cultural heritage and introduce the public to the traditional poetic and performing arts, combining the Samer, one of the most prominent heritage performing arts, with the Muhawarah, which embodies the authenticity of improvised poetry and quick wit in folk verse.

The event aims to revive these arts in an interactive cultural setting that strengthens the presence of folk poetry in the contemporary cultural scene and gives the public a chance to discover this rich artistic heritage.

Poetry Performances by Leading Poets

The event features 12 days of performances that began during the days of Eid Al Fitr, with leading poets and performers from across the Kingdom presenting poetic and performance shows reflecting the diversity of Saudi folk arts.

The performances also support local practitioners by providing a cultural platform where they can present their creativity to the public and strengthen their presence on the cultural scene.

Cultural Activity in Public Spaces

The event embodies cooperation among the cultural commissions under the umbrella of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, aimed at strengthening the presence of the literary and performing arts in public spaces and giving the public a chance to engage with cultural heritage in open settings.

These initiatives are part of efforts to preserve the authenticity of the heritage arts and cement their place in the cultural consciousness, while presenting them in a contemporary style that meets the public's interests.

At a Glance

  • Location: Al Adl Square, Qasr Al Hukm district, Riyadh
  • Dates: 22 March to 2 May 2026
  • Arts featured: the Samer and the Muhawarah
  • Participants: poets and performers from across the Kingdom