Saudi woodsman poet with no TV becomes social media star

Abu Dhabi: An unknown Saudi woodsman, who lives a simple life in Jazan, in the southwest corner of Saudi Arabia, owning no mobile phone or TV, has become a star after he appeared in a social media video.

The story of Abdullah Khalil Al Faqiri began when the well-known Saudi poet, Yahya Rayani, visited him at his residence in the village of Al Fara.

In a video clip seen more than 500,000 times within hours, Rayani revealed hidden aspects in the woodcutter’s life, including that he is a talented poet, before asking his many followers on social media to support him in his endeavors to change the man’s life for the better.

Turki Al Sheikh, head of Saudi entertainment authority, said in a tweet:, “Please let him get in touch with me, good people, but bear witness to him if he gets married, he does not write satire, or use his humour, irony, or ridicule to expose and criticise people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in contemporary politics and other issues.”

Donors flocked to the poet woodsman, some pledging to secure housing for him upon his marriage, and others offering financial support. Saudi citizen Yasser Al Junaid pledged to get his poetic works published.