Saudi Author Ahmad Abu Dahman Passes Away at 76

Ahmad Abu Dahman, the renowned Saudi Arabian author, has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a significant literary legacy in both Saudi and Arab culture. He is celebrated as one of the foremost literary voices reflecting the social and human changes in Saudi Arabia, gaining international acclaim for his novel "The Belt," which has been translated into French and other languages since its release in 2000, receiving both critical and public attention.

A Life Rich in Knowledge and Culture

Born in 1949 in the village of Al-Khalaf in the Asir region of southern Saudi Arabia, Abu Dahman began his education in Abha and continued at King Saud University in Riyadh. He later pursued postgraduate studies in France, earning a Master’s degree in literature.

His professional journey began as a teacher, transitioning into journalism and culture, ultimately leading the Paris office of the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh, where he engaged with French and international culture.

A Lasting Literary Legacy

Abu Dahman's works are characterized by their emotional depth and nostalgia, illuminating the social changes in his village and broader Saudi society. His novel "The Belt" stands as a landmark in modern Saudi literature, exploring the author's life in his village and his profound human experiences, making it a timeless addition to both Arab and international literature.

Tributes from Cultural Circles

Cultural communities have expressed their sorrow over Abu Dahman's passing, recognizing his career that helped bring Saudi literature closer to the world and bridge local culture with global readership through his unique narrative style, which intertwines memory, identity, and modernity.