Ten plays by Saudi theater groups will compete at the Riyadh Theater Festival taking place between December 13 to 24

The Kingdom's Theatre and Performing Arts Commission has revealed that ten plays from Saudi theatre companies will compete for eleven awards at the Riyadh Theatre Festival. Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of the Theatre and Performing Arts Commission, said that the festival's first session, which features performances of the nominated plays, will take held at Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University on December 13–24.

The plays were narrowed down based on a number of criteria, such as language use, serious and inventive presentation, quality, and audience appeal. The following categories are up for grabs: best actor, best actress, best theatrical lighting, best scenography, best theatrical make-up, best theatrical costumes, best theatrical music, best theatrical decoration, best theatrical script, best theatrical directing, and best integrated theatrical performance.

In addition, the festival will honour the life of the late Saudi writer and playwright Mohammed Al-Othaim by presenting an international play, hosting a workshop on theatre arts, showcasing an art exhibition about his artistic career, hosting seminars and critical readings, and producing a play based on his vision as a director.

By assisting participants in forging prosperous careers and producing material that uplifts the public and advances the Saudi theatrical industry, which is regarded as one of the most promising in the Kingdom, the festival seeks to hone and promote Saudi talent.