Saudi literary agency to transform children’s book publishing

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In a bid to address challenges faced by artists and creatives in Saudi Arabia, Layal Idriss, founder of Radish House Agency, has embarked on a mission to provide support, guidance, and exceptional creative services. (Supplied)
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Layal Idriss, Radish House Agency founder
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Layal Idriss, Radish House Agency founder
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Updated 21 November 2023
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Saudi literary agency to transform children’s book publishing

  • We want to create a space where artists can connect and collaborate, while also assisting clients in obtaining high-quality creative services,” Idriss told Arab News

JEDDAH: In a bid to address challenges faced by artists and creatives in Saudi Arabia, Layal Idriss, founder of Radish House Agency, has embarked on a mission to provide support, guidance, and exceptional creative services. With a focus on the publishing industry, Idriss aims to elevate the local creative scene and contribute to the growth and development of the Saudi creative industry.

Inspired by the struggles artists face in achieving work-life balance and the need for a supportive community, Idriss, along with her husband and partner, has leveraged their own experiences to establish Radish House Agency, which aims to bridge the gap between artists and clients, offering a skilled and reliable team to meet the creative needs of clients while providing comfort and support to artists.

“We understand the pains and discomforts artists go through, and our goal is to provide them with the necessary sustenance and guidance. We want to create a space where artists can connect and collaborate, while also assisting clients in obtaining high-quality creative services,” Idriss told Arab News.




Radish House Agency aims to elevate the local creative scene and contribute to the growth and development of the Saudi creative industry. (Supplied)

One area where Radish House Agency focuses its efforts is the publishing industry, particularly the children’s book market. Idriss noted the dominance of books lacking creativity and design, and the need for locally-made books with high-quality visuals and standards. In response, the agency, in collaboration with Dar Waraqa, aims to revolutionize the Saudi and Arab children’s book market by introducing fresh ideas and exceptional talent.

She also highlighted two key ways in which the agency supports Saudi creatives in the publishing industry.

“Firstly, we brought our experience in art academia to the fingertips of artists from all over the world through our RAD Learning platform and ensured that Saudi-based artists receive support through translating content and offering mentorship opportunities,” said Idriss.

We want to create a space where artists can connect and collaborate, while also assisting clients in obtaining high-quality creative services.

Layal Idriss, Radish House Agency founder

The courses on offer include character design, children’s book writing, children’s book illustration, and more that can be explored on radishhouse.com.

“Secondly, we offer our creative services to other publishers and work with them on understanding the value of high-quality visual appeal accompanied by new and improved themes and topics that interest children and feed their imagination as well as enhance their creativity,” she continued.

When asked about upcoming projects and collaborations, Idriss expressed excitement about working with various local and international brands and organizations. Notable collaborations include the Ministry of Culture, Chalhoub Group, Penguin Random House, Dar Al-Hudhud, Zingo and Ringo, and many more. The agency’s growing list of clients signifies their commitment to delivering exceptional creative solutions.

“(The) Ministry of Culture is a great client and one of our biggest supporters. We work on so many incredible collaborations,” said Idriss.

Looking ahead, she envisions Radish House Agency playing a pivotal role in the growth and development of the Saudi creative industries. With a focus on storytelling, the agency aims to stand out by delivering unique and visionary projects.

Nouf Al-Qethami, senior brand manager at Saudi Coffee Co., said: “I was thrilled to have discovered and collaborated with Radish House Agency. Their selection of Saudi creatives and artists is unparalleled and exceptional. What sets this community apart is the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by their experienced team.

“Working alongside Radish Agency has not only ignited my inspiration, but it has also fueled my own creative endeavors. It was incredible to be a part of such a supportive and nurturing environment that actively fosters growth and innovation.”

Idriss and her team are dedicated to aligning their services, passion, and dedication with the core values of the Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to the realization of the Kingdom’s goals.

For updates and more details, check their Instagram @radishhouseagency.

 


200 students will compete to represent Saudi Arabia at top science events

Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education announced the qualification of the 200 students who are pictured above. (@mawhiba)
Updated 7 sec ago
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200 students will compete to represent Saudi Arabia at top science events

  • Mawhiba, Ministry of Education select students from a record 291,057 applications

RIYADH: A total of 200 students have been chosen to compete for a chance to represent the Kingdom at next year’s prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair and other international competitions.

The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, or Mawhiba, and the Ministry of Education announced the qualification of the 200 students, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The announcement took place at the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, or Ibdaa, exhibition for science and engineering. The Ibdaa event is held to create a competitive and creative environment for pre-college scientific researchers.

The students were selected from among 480 participants in the recent regional exhibitions held as a part of the fourth stage of the Olympiad.

The final qualifying stage for the Olympiad will be held at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University conference center in Riyadh from Feb. 2 to 6.

The Ibdaa 2025 Olympiad had a record registration of 291,057 students.

The Olympiad is an annual international contest for middle and high school students in standards and technology. It started as a local event in Korea in 2006, and became an international contest in 2014.


Beekeepers’ association launches green campaign

Updated 26 December 2024
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Beekeepers’ association launches green campaign

RIYADH: The Beekeepers Cooperative Association in Rijal Almaa in the Asir Region on Thursday launched an initiative to plant 1,000 sidr trees in Wadi Hiswah as part of an environmental sustainability plan aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative.

Inaugurated in 2021, the Saudi Green Initiative unites environmental protection, energy transition and sustainability programs with the overarching aims of offsetting and reducing emissions, increasing afforestation and land restoration, and supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2060.

The Beekeepers Association launched the green campaign in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The chairman of the association’s board of directors, Ali bin Yahya Al-Hayani, said that this initiative aims to enhance air quality and combat climate change.

He identified the environmental benefits of the sidr tree, highlighting its resilience, its role in combating desertification, and its contribution to soil health and biodiversity.


Reconstituted Saudi IP authority’s board of directors approved 

Updated 26 December 2024
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Reconstituted Saudi IP authority’s board of directors approved 

  • Shihana Alazzaz, who is an adviser at the Royal Court, will continue to serve as chair

RIYADH: The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property’s newly-reconstituted Board of Directors was approved for a three-year term, the Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday.

In the reconstituted board, Shihana Alazzaz, who is an adviser at the Royal Court, will continue to serve as chair. She previously served as the deputy secretary-general of the Council of Ministers and was the first Saudi woman to hold the position.

The approval includes extending the membership of Eng. Haitham Al-Ohali, Eng. Osama Al-Zamil, and Dima Al-Yahya.

Badr Al-Qadi and Dr. Mohammed Al-Otaibi join the board as new members. 

Alazzaz expressed her thanks and gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous and continuous support for the authority.

She also thanked the previous board members for their efforts and wished the new members success.

The authority’s CEO Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem, said that the new formation of the board reflects the continued generous support of the leadership for the authority, wishing the Board success.


Grand Mosque authority announces free storage for Umrah performers

Updated 26 December 2024
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Grand Mosque authority announces free storage for Umrah performers

  • Storage facilities are located near the Makkah Library and Gate 64

MAKKAH: Authorities in the holy city of Makkah announced on Wednesday free luggage storage for Umrah performers.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that free storage facilities are available to the east of the Grand Mosque, near the Makkah Library, and to the west, near Gate 64.

Umrah performers must present their permits through the Nusuk app to access the facilities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Umrah performers can store bags, not loose items, weighing up to 7 kilograms for a maximum of four hours. Valuables, prohibited items, food, and medicine are not permitted. A claim ticket must be presented for retrieval.

The authority plans to extend the service to encompass all areas around the Grand Mosque to better assist visitors, the SPA added.


King Salman, Crown Prince send condolences to Azerbaijan president

Updated 26 December 2024
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King Salman, Crown Prince send condolences to Azerbaijan president

  • The King and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also extend sympathies to families of plane crash victims

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman each sent messages of condolence and sympathy to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday, after the tragic crash of a passenger plane.

The King and the crown prince also extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives onboard the Azerbaijan Airlines plane, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Wednesday morning, the passenger plane, traveling from Azerbaijan to Russia, crashed near Aktau, western Kazakhstan, with 62 passengers and five crew members on board.

Kazakh authorities announced that 28 people had survived.