The literary community in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf was struck with shock on Monday evening by the news of the death of poet Saud bin Ma’di Al-Rufaidi Al-Qahtani, who fell from a height in Jebel Samhan in Dhofar Governorate, Oman.

Social media users circulated a video showing rescue teams rushing to the site amid an atmosphere of grief and astonishment, while the Saudi embassy in Oman confirmed that it is coordinating with the Omani authorities to complete the procedures for transferring the poet’s body to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A Poet of Heritage and Modernity

Al-Qahtani, originally from the Al-Qahtah region in Al-Baha, was renowned for his poetic style that blended the richness of heritage with the spirit of modernity, earning him a prominent place in the Gulf and Arab literary scene.

Throughout his long literary career, he published more than 15 poetry collections that left a lasting impact on the Arab literary library, and he was a strong presence at numerous poetry evenings and festivals inside and outside the Kingdom, distinguished by his striking presence and unique poetic voice.