NALA Narrative Forum

Program overview

The first edition of the NALA Narrative Forum, organised by the Narrative Arts and Literature Association (NALA), will bring together academics, literary critics, and short story writers from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world to explore the development of contemporary short fiction and its place within the Kingdom's evolving cultural landscape. The two-day forum features seven academic and cultural sessions covering topics such as social and cultural transformations in short stories, recurring literary themes, the portrayal of cities in contemporary fiction, and the artistic characteristics of modern Saudi short stories. The programme also includes a tribute session honouring the late Saudi short story pioneer Mohammed Ali Alwan in recognition of his enduring contribution to Saudi and Arab literature.