Call for Participation: Taif City of Literature Writing Retreat (Novels) 2025

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Friday Sep 05, 2025

Applications close 30 September 2025

Taif City of Literature is pleased to share an opportunity for novelists from Creative Cities of Literature (including Ōtepoti Dunedin) to participate in a Writers Retreat taking place in Taif, Saudi Arabia, from 28 November to 5 December 2025.

Participants:

7–10 novelists from the Creative Cities of Literature network.

The Retreat:

Organised by the Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Association, the Taif Writing Retreat is aimed at novelists, providing a calm and inspiring writing environment. Running from 28 November until 4 December 2025, the residency will host 7–10 writers. Each writer will be paired with a literary mentor and undertake a program of dedicated writing time, workshops, discussion circles and cultural tours to draw on Taif's culture and heritage.

Taif Writing Retreat will include:

• Hotel accommodation and meals.

• Round-trip tickets.

• Transportation on arrival and departure dates provided.

• A detailed program (agenda TBD).

Requirements:

• At least one published literary work.

• Must be actively working on a novel project during the retreat.

• Writing must align with the novel's theme. 

• Must not have participated in the program before.

• Fulfilment of organisational requirements.

• Pre-registration is required (link at bottom of email). 

How to apply:

To apply, please register at the following link by the application deadline (30 September 2025): Registration form
 

Please note that participants will be announced around 5 November 2025.
 

For any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Taif City of Literature at: taifcityuccn@gmail.com.