RIYADH: The Imru’ Al-Qais Festival is underway in Riyadh. Launched by the Ministry of Culture as part of Arab Poetry Year 2023, the event runs until Oct. 12 and comprises cultural activities and events related to the poet’s life as well as nightly recitals of his work in the Poet’s Theater. There will also be theatrical and music performances, Arabic calligraphers and a handicrafts market. Workshops for those keen to learn how to recite or write poetry will be held throughout the week and a special event, titled “The Poet in the Eyes of Artists,” will give painters the chance to display their portraits of Imru’ Al-Qais alongside their visual interpretations of his work. For children there is a sand corner where they can play traditional Najdi games, a storytelling corner and a mural on which they are encouraged to draw their own portraits of the ancient poet.