Writer Omran Al-Omran, Al Riyadh's first editor-in-chief, dies at 93
Saudi Arabia's cultural and media community lost writer, poet and journalist Omran bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Omran on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The first…
Editorial Team
Writer Omran Al-Omran, Al Riyadh's first editor-in-chief, dies at 93
Akhbar Al Watan 24 — Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's cultural and media community lost writer, poet and journalist Omran bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Omran on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The first editor-in-chief of Al Riyadh and a former Shura Council member, he died at about 93 after a long career in journalism, literature and government.
Funeral prayers were held after the afternoon prayer at King Khalid Mosque in Riyadh. Literary and media circles mourned him and recalled his contributions to establishing Saudi journalism and developing the cultural scene.
A pioneering career in Saudi journalism
Al-Omran was a prominent figure in the history of Saudi journalism. He became editor-in-chief of Al Riyadh when it launched in 1965 and helped establish its editorial foundations during an important period in the development of the Kingdom's media institutions.
He also worked early in his career at Al Yamamah alongside writer and historian Hamad Al-Jasser and participated in several cultural and literary initiatives.
A literary and cultural legacy
Born in Riyadh in 1352 AH, Al-Omran graduated in the first class of the College of Arabic Language in 1377 AH. He left books and poetry collections addressing literature, heritage and Arabic poetry. His notable works include “Min A'lam Al-Shi'r Al-Yamami,” “Hadith Abir” and “Min Wahy Al-Sinin.”
His contributions extended to government service, where he held administrative posts. He also served in the Shura Council during its first and second terms.
Minister of Media mourns him
Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari mourned the writer, praising his pioneering contributions to journalism and literature, his national service and a cultural and media legacy that will remain in Saudi memory.
With Al-Omran's death, Saudi media and culture lose a pioneer who contributed to the beginnings of institutional journalism and enriched the Kingdom's literary movement.
May God have mercy on him, admit him to Paradise and grant his family and loved ones patience and solace.
Source: Al Riyadh newspaper and local press reports.