Abdulrahman Al-Muraikhi
Saudi Playwright and Actor
- Name: Abdulrahman Al-Muraikhi
π§π Abdulrahman Al-Muraikhi
Saudi Playwright and Actor
π Personal Information
Full Name: Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Muraikhi
Date of Birth: 1372 AH (approx. 1952 CE)
Place of Birth: Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Date of Death: December 9, 2005 (6/11/1426 AH)
Burial Place: Al-Salihiya Cemetery, Al-Ahsa
Nationality: πΈπ¦ Saudi
π Career in the Arts
One of the pioneers of Saudi theater, especially in Al-Ahsa.
Founding member of the Society for Culture and Arts (formerly The Club of Folk Arts).
Received a diploma in Arabic language from the Teachers’ College in Al-Ahsa in 1406 AH.
Published poet; authored a poetry collection titled:
π “Love Blazes in Threes”
Contributed articles and critiques to Al-Yaum Newspaper.
Regarded as a pioneer of children’s theater in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, with notable work:
π “Laylat Al-Nafila” (written and directed in 1396 AH).
π Selected Theater Works (As writer and director):
π The Donkey Market
π A Village Called Peace
π Nasr Al-Bawakeer
π Builder’s Diaries
π The Lost Solution
π Son of Adam is Coming
π The Story of What Happened
π Letters and Days of the Eastern Man
π An Extraordinary Thief
…and many others, highlighting his contribution to the local theater movement.
π§π€π§ Mentorship and Legacy
He helped nurture many rising theatrical talents, including:
Abdullah Al-Turki
Youssef Al-Khamis
Ali Al-Ghuwainim
Sami Al-Jamaan
Nasser Al-Saleh
Noah Al-Jamaan
…and many more.
πβοΈ Early Beginnings
Contrary to popular belief, his journey began in sports, not the arts.
He was a prominent player with Al-Ikhwa team — one of Al-Ahsa’s well-known street football teams in the early 1390s AH.
Later, he became a skilled visual artist, then transitioned into theater, eventually becoming one of the most recognized theatrical figures in the Arab world.
π Awards and Honors
π First Prize – Riyadh Theater Festival II – 1397 AH
π First Prize for Playwriting – Riyadh Theater Festival III – 1399 AH (Nasr Al-Bawakeer)
π 1st Place – Youth Welfare Competition (Kingdom-wide) – 1403 AH (Son of Adam is Coming)
π 1st Prize – Youth Welfare Scriptwriting Contest – 1412 AH (The Story of What Happened)
π Best Script – Janadriyah Festival – 1424 AH (Al-Hatq)
π Honored at the Gulf Theater Festival in Bahrain – 1415 AH
π Honored locally in Al-Ahsa and at Janadriyah Festival 20
π§ Cultural Contributions
Focused on folk heritage to create a distinct Saudi theater identity.
Applied epic theater in children’s plays, such as The Lost Solution.
Actively supported school theater, and supervised three full theater training courses.
Participated in numerous Arab conferences and theater festivals.
Served as Director of the Society for Culture and Arts in Al-Ahsa from 1420 AH until his passing.
π Final Days
Began suffering from health complications in 1424 AH.
His condition progressively worsened until his death on Thursday, 6/11/1426 AH (December 9, 2005).
Known for his humility and ever-present smile, he would often sit with children during plays and constantly encouraged young, aspiring artists without ever boasting of his vast experience or knowledge.
