Amidst the rapid transformations sweeping the Saudi cultural landscape, the name of thinker and researcher Tariq bin Saad Al-Qarni stands out as an intellectual voice striving to deconstruct concepts and offer profound insights that blend tradition and modernity. His journey was not a matter of chance, but rather the product of a long immersion in reading and writing, and a persistent engagement with issues of language, thought, and humanity. In this interview, we delve into Al-Qarni's intellectual experience, explore his vision of the evolving cultural scene, and his engagement with its fundamental questions.

General context: Saudi culture with a new vision

This dialogue comes at an exceptional time for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where culture forms a cornerstone of Vision 2030. Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented surge in support for the cultural sector, through the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and its specialized bodies, and the launch of international initiatives and festivals. This has opened the door wide to intellectual dialogues and public discussions that were previously limited. This new climate has provided voices like Tariq Al-Qarni with a greater opportunity to present their ideas and influence a new generation of intellectuals and those interested in culture, thus lending his views particular importance in understanding the dynamics of this transformation.

From existential reading to the worlds of language

• How did your first relationship with reading and writing take shape?

My relationship with reading and writing began in my childhood, but it wasn't disciplined. After entering university, I suffered a health and psychological setback that drove me to read in order to understand myself and my feelings. At that point, reading transformed into an existential experience, not merely a functional tool; I began reading to discover myself, not to obtain a degree. I specialized in linguistics and then critical methodologies, and from there I ventured into the humanities to broaden my horizons. I see language, as Heidegger described it, as "the house of Being," and from it our understanding of the self, society, politics, and history is formed. Thus, for me, language became a mode of thinking, not just a passive tool.

• What about the pivotal moment that changed your cultural trajectory?

There is no single defining moment. My life is simple and routine, and I shift my thinking according to the ideas I encounter. I consider science an existential condition, and therefore I do not hesitate to adopt the most compelling argument, provided it does not contradict my fundamental principles. For me, change is a path to existential progress.

Writing as a form of expression and communication

• Do you write to express an opinion? Or to pose a question?

I write to liberate an inner idea and test its strength in reality. Writing is a provocation for the idea to defend its worthiness to survive. It is a means of expressing my yearning to connect with others, and a linguistic game in which I find a kind of intellectual entertainment.

A reading of the contemporary Saudi cultural scene

How do you interpret the Saudi cultural scene today?

The scene is currently good, though it leans more towards quantity than quality. But this quantity itself is a healthy phenomenon; the scene is self-sustaining, and the discerning audience is the one that chooses what remains and endures. Culture, in its professional sense, is still new to our society. We need time and intellectual development to produce a distinctive culture, one that transcends the desire for personal triumph. Overall, the scene is growing in a healthy way.

• The proliferation of platforms: Has it weakened value or broadened influence?

The proliferation of platforms is a healthy phenomenon; the important thing is to refine their selections to avoid superficiality. The development of these platforms lies not in their technology, but in the development of the minds of those who run them and their audience. Society wants to tell its story, and every individual seeks their place, so this momentum is welcome and will, over time, produce the most deserving models.

The importance of cultural dialogue and its societal impact

Al-Qarni's views on platforms and elitism are gaining significant importance in light of media openness. Discussions on these issues are no longer confined to closed circles but have become part of the public discourse, with thousands of young people participating through social media. This movement contributes to raising awareness, encouraging critical thinking, and reshaping Saudi cultural identity to be more open and engaged with the world. It is a vital stage in maturing societal awareness and defining the characteristics of the new intellectual elite that will lead the future.

The debate on elitism, philosophy, and criticism

Where do you stand on the ongoing debate about the elitism and populism of culture?

I believe in the democracy of knowledge, and that everyone has the right to speak freely. Elitism is a quality bestowed upon individuals based on their competence and responsibility, not a job title or a slogan to exclude dissenters. A conscious society carefully selects its elite, and a true elite is one that bears the responsibility of providing awareness worthy of society.

• Is the accumulation of philosophical terms evidence of culture?

•• Sound intellectual inquiry requires acknowledging previous opinions to build upon them and presenting a new, well-supported viewpoint. This is not mere conjecture, but a scientific methodology. Our society is accustomed to literary and religious discourse, so it may assume that all transmission is flawed, which is incorrect in the humanities. What matters is adhering to the principles of knowledge and presenting what benefits the intellect of the recipient.

• Why are you against what is called “cultural criticism”?

There is no such thing as a discipline called “cultural criticism”; rather, it is “cultural studies.” Criticism is a logical science with an objective methodology. What is called cultural criticism is often an ideological starting point for reaching a preconceived conclusion, such as issuing emotional judgments like “Al-Mutanabbi was a beggar.” This is an ideological judgment, not a scientific, interpretive criticism that examines the actor’s understanding of their actions.

The cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by a strategic concept known as “cultural investment.” Culture is no longer viewed as a mere intellectual pursuit, but has become a fundamental pillar of national development and a promising economic engine. This investment rests on two complementary axes: first, investing in the human and creative potential of society to enhance its cultural growth and intellectual achievements; and second, building a sustainable economic model that incentivizes the continuity of cultural work through meaningful returns, thus ensuring the consolidation of knowledge-based growth, which has become a measure of a nation’s progress and its aspirations for a pioneering future.

General context: Vision 2030 and the new cultural landscape

This growing interest in cultural investment comes within a broader context: the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify income sources and build a vibrant society. Since the Vision’s launch, the cultural sector has witnessed a qualitative leap, marked by the establishment of the Ministry of Culture in 2018. This ministry has since spawned 11 specialized bodies covering various creative sectors, including the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission. These institutional steps were not merely administrative changes; they heralded a new era, placing culture and the arts at the heart of the national project and providing systematic support for creators and intellectuals throughout the Kingdom.

The Geography of Literature: A Renewed Creative Map

At the heart of this movement, the concept of “literary geography” emerges as one of the most important manifestations of cultural growth. Literary creativity is no longer confined to major cities; rather, we are witnessing a wider distribution of talent across the Kingdom’s various regions and provinces. A new generation of writers, poets, novelists, playwrights, and critics is emerging, producing innovative works that reflect the diversity and richness of Saudi culture. These young creators do not represent only themselves; they play a vital role in representing their nation at local and international events, presenting the world with a bright image of the intellectual and creative dynamism within the Kingdom, and winning prestigious awards in major Arab and international competitions.

Importance and expected impact

The impact of this investment extends far beyond local borders. Domestically, it contributes to strengthening national identity, creating jobs in the creative economy, and empowering youth. Regionally and internationally, it enhances the Kingdom's soft power, presenting it as a leading cultural hub in the region and attracting cultural tourism. Major events such as the Riyadh International Book Fair, the Janadriyah Festival, and art biennials have become global platforms showcasing Saudi cultural products and opening avenues for dialogue with world cultures.

Towards sustainable cultural integration

To ensure the continuation of this momentum, a sustainable relationship between the commercial investment sector and the cultural sector is essential. A symbiotic system must be created that supports creators, provides them with a stimulating environment, and simultaneously unlocks promising investment opportunities. The model offered by the General Entertainment Authority in transforming events into successful economic products can serve as an example for the cultural sector. By building strong institutions and effective governance, this creative endeavor can be organized and propelled towards global recognition, while continuously discovering young talent that will raise the bar and solidify the Kingdom's position as a key player on the global cultural map.