Reading: How Mohammed Al Anazi Is Changing Arab Storytelling Forever

How Mohammed Al Anazi Is Changing Arab Storytelling Forever

Mohammad Salim
10 Min Read

Inside Mohammed Al Anazi’s Inspiring Journey From Pen to Screen

Mohammed Al Anazi (محمد العنزي) is not just a writer—he is a visionary storyteller, an advocate for creativity, and a cultural pioneer reshaping Kuwait’s literary and screen industries. With a growing portfolio of best-selling books, critically acclaimed screenplays, and an unmatched passion for storytelling, Al Anazi is fast becoming a household name in the Arab world.

Whether contributing to the writing of the first drama season produced in the Arab world or penning the first Kuwaiti series featured as part of a Netflix original, or conducting workshops to ignite the writing spark in youth, his mission remains clear: to tell stories that matter and to nurture a culture of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Let’s take a deeper look at his journey, the challenges he faced, and the legacy he’s building.

Childhood Dreams That Sparked a Lifelong Passion

Even as a child, Mohammed Al Anazi showed signs of being an extraordinary storyteller. He fondly recalls carrying storybooks to school, immersing himself in fantasy worlds during breaks, and captivating his cousins with bedtime tales during family gatherings.

These early moments weren’t just innocent play—they were the building blocks of a lifetime passion. Al Anazi wasn’t merely a consumer of stories; he was already curious about how they were made, dreaming of working beside the creators of his favorite TV shows and theater productions.

This blend of imagination and ambition laid the foundation for the storyteller he would eventually become.

The Turning Point: From Journalism to Creative Breakthroughs

Al Anazi’s professional path began with a bold step into the digital world. He started by launching his own website and forum, where he wrote under a pseudonym. It was an anonymous yet impactful way to share his voice and test the waters of public reception.

Things began to shift when he entered university and got involved in journalism. This exposure taught him the importance of deadlines, structure, and public engagement—all skills that would serve him well in the years to come. It also led to his first book—a hit that was translated into English and garnered attention across the region.

From there, Mohammed entered the advertising industry, writing campaigns and content that sharpened his messaging abilities. Then came the breakthrough: an invitation to join a drama series writing team. That was the moment that turned a talented writer into a screenwriter with serious industry impact.

A Career Built on Vision, Not Just Titles

Today, Mohammed Al Anazi is celebrated for many major achievements. He played a key role in writing After the End, the first Arabic sci-fi series. He was also a contributor to The Cage, the first Kuwaiti drama to premiere on Netflix, along with several other notable productions—having worked on a total of seven television series to date. These groundbreaking projects earned him credibility not only within Kuwait but across the Arab world.

But when asked about his greatest achievement, he doesn’t point to titles or awards. Instead, he says, “The real success is the impact. It’s about challenging old narratives, inspiring new ways of thinking, and seeing how your work connects with people.”

This focus on legacy over labels is what makes Al Anazi not just a writer, but a cultural changemaker.

The Struggles That Forged His Creative Philosophy

Like most creatives, Al Anazi’s journey was not without obstacles. In the early days, he often worked with collaborators who didn’t understand or respect the writing process. Bringing a vision to life—especially in drama—meant watching others alter or dilute his ideas.

These challenges taught him valuable lessons about quality control, choosing the right team, and standing up for his creative voice. He realized that protecting a story requires not just passion, but strategy, patience, and persistence.

He says, “Having a vision isn’t enough. You have to communicate it clearly, polish it well, and surround yourself with people who see what you see.”

His Current Work: A Creative Powerhouse in Motion

Right now, Mohammed Al Anazi’s schedule is packed with creativity. He is working on several new drama series, developing a feature film, writing a children’s play for theater, and penning a new book. But that’s not all—he’s also deeply involved in mentoring others.

Through screenwriting workshops, he’s helping aspiring writers build their skills and confidence. His sessions are popular, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

But his long-term goal extends far beyond individual success. He dreams of building a writing culture—one where storytelling is not just an art, but a way of life. Through social media, public speaking, and mentorship, he wants to encourage people of all ages to write, express, and heal.

A Vision That Goes Beyond Entertainment

What sets Mohammed Al Anazi apart from many writers is his holistic view of storytelling. For him, writing is not just about entertainment; it’s a tool for wellness, education, and social impact.

He’s passionate about writing’s ability to sharpen thinking, offer emotional release, and build empathy. In a world often dominated by distraction and division, he sees storytelling as a unifying force—something that can bring people together through shared experiences and reflections.

This vision guides every project he touches, from screenplays to books to workshops.

Lessons Learned: Creativity Needs Courage and Clarity

When asked about the most important lesson of his career, Al Anazi offers this wisdom: “If your vision is clear, then you’re right—even if no one sees it yet.”

He explains that originality is often met with skepticism in industries that prefer to play it safe. But trailblazers must hold on to their ideas tightly, prepare them thoroughly, and communicate them convincingly. That’s the only way to preserve the soul of a story.

And yes, he’s had to fight for his ideas. But over time, he learned how to stand his ground not emotionally, but logically—with a plan and a pitch that wins hearts and minds.

The Legacy He’s Building for Future Generations

More than anything, Mohammed Al Anazi wants to be remembered as a catalyst for change. Not only through his writing, but through the writers he inspires and the culture he helps shape.

He envisions a world where children grow up with a deep love for reading and writing, where parents encourage imagination, and where future generations of Arab writers feel empowered to tell bold, authentic stories.

“If I can help create that shift—even in a small way—then I’ll have done something meaningful,” he says.

Words to His Younger Self—and to Us All

If he could travel back in time, Al Anazi would offer his younger self this advice: “You don’t need permission. Just start.”

He urges young creatives to take initiative, trust their voice, and most importantly—keep learning. Whether it’s through books, online courses, or mentorship, continuous learning is what turns raw passion into lasting impact.

He adds, “Don’t wait for someone to open the door. Build your own path. Grow where others left off, and let your story be the next chapter.”

Final Thoughts

Mohammed Al Anazi is more than a writer—he’s a movement in motion. With a pen in his hand and a purpose in his heart, he continues to push the boundaries of what Arab storytelling can be. Whether through the screen, the stage, or the page, his stories connect, challenge, and create lasting impact.

In a world hungry for authenticity and imagination, his work reminds us that stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re essential. And as long as voices like his keep rising, the future of Arab literature and media looks not only bright—but brilliant. Do follow him on Instagram.

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