Saudi Poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, 75, Passes Away – Remembering His Contributions to Arts and Culture

The world of literature and poetry has lost a shining star with the passing of Saudi poet and prince, Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, at the age of 75. His legacy as a renowned poet in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world will forever be remembered.

Born in Riyadh on April 2, 1949, Prince Badr was the son of Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a leading poet and former Madinah governor. Throughout his life, Prince Badr’s poetry touched on themes of love, pride, elegy, social issues, and politics, resonating with audiences far and wide.

In recognition of his literary contributions, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud awarded Prince Badr the prestigious King Abdulaziz Medal in 2019. This honor was a testament to the prince’s dedication to the art of poetry and his impact on the cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia.

Prince Badr’s poetry collections, including “What the Sparrow Carves on the Date Palm,” “A Message from a Bedouin,” “Perhaps a Poem,” and “A Glint,” have left a lasting impression on readers and listeners alike. His words have been immortalized in song by renowned singers such as Talal Maddah, Mohammed Abdu, and Kazem Al-Saher, further solidifying his place in the hearts of many.

Beyond his literary achievements, Prince Badr was also a prominent figure in Saudi and Arab cultural circles. He served as the president of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts since 1973, showcasing his commitment to promoting and preserving the arts in the region.

In 2019, on the occasion of World Poetry Day, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay honored Prince Badr for his artistic contributions over the past four decades. The prince delivered a powerful performance of 12 poems, translated into French and English, to an audience of over 400 cultural figures from around the world at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the Saudi minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s ambassador to France, Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Angari, and the president of the Misk Initiatives Center, Badr Al-Asaker. The event was a celebration of Prince Badr’s talent and his enduring impact on the world of poetry.

As the news of Prince Badr’s passing spreads, tributes pour in from admirers and fellow poets who have been touched by his words. His legacy as a poet, prince, and cultural ambassador will continue to inspire generations to come, ensuring that his contributions to the literary world are never forgotten.