In the presence of a large number of Saudi novelists, novelist Yousef Al-Mohaimeed launched the latest Saudi association dedicated to narrative creativity, named “Nala Association for Narrative Arts and Literature (Nala)”. The launch took place on Friday evening, February 27, 2026, at the SARD Cultural Center Theater in Riyadh.

The launch ceremony and the inauguration of the association’s activities were attended by a number of writers, academics specializing in narrative studies, and media professionals.

The ceremony began with a welcoming speech delivered by the Chairman of the Board, writer Yousef Al-Mohaimeed. He welcomed the attendees and officially announced the launch of the association’s activities, emphasizing its role in supporting narrative arts and expanding opportunities for interaction between creative writers and critics across different narrative genres. This was followed by a detailed presentation by the association’s Director General, Mr. Saud Al-Suwaida, who outlined the association’s vision, mission, and planned program for the coming period, reflecting a clearly defined institutional direction and ambitious cultural aspirations.

The association aims to enrich and strengthen the Saudi narrative scene, focus on distinctive approaches to creative writing, initiate a new phase for the world of narrative arts, and provide it with greater space for dialogue and experimentation.

The evening was presented by media personality Najla Abu Nayan. The event also featured a ceremony honoring supporters, along with the signing of several agreements and partnerships with government entities and civil institutions. This marks a step toward establishing a new phase in which the sustainability of cultural work and its impact on the broader literary scene can be further strengthened.

Following the launch ceremony, the association held its first cultural session, a panel discussion titled “The New Novel and Critical Engagement.” The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ali Al-Hamoud and featured Prof. Dr. Hessa Al-Mufarreh and novelist Atheer Al-Nashmi.

The discussion explored the concept of the “new novel”: Is it defined by the novelty of its subject, the recency of its publication, or its boldness in experimenting within the space of Saudi narrative literature? Examples were drawn from narrative works that adopted notable experimental approaches. The discussion also examined the relationship between novelistic production and critical engagement, particularly between academics and literary practitioners, as well as the importance of building continuous bridges of communication that keep pace with the rapidly evolving Saudi novel scene.

The evening concluded with an open discussion with the audience, whose diverse and substantive contributions enriched the dialogue. The discussion covered narrative techniques, new approaches to writing Saudi short stories, and transformations in narrative literature in the Kingdom across its various forms.

It is worth noting that the establishment of the new association follows several calls made decades ago for the creation of an organization dedicated specifically to narrative arts. At the time, the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts organized a number of seminars featuring writers and literary figures specializing in narrative literature.

Writer Yousef Al-Mohaimeed is one of the prominent literary figures in the Kingdom. He began his career as a short-story writer, publishing several collections, most notably The Trembling of Their White Garments. He later turned to the novel and published several notable works, including Pigeons Do Not Fly in Buraidah, The Clamor of My Death, Scent Traps, and The Bottle. His works have been translated into several languages around the world