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.

 


Absher Hackathon finalists highlight scale of Saudi tech talent

Updated 14 December 2025
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Absher Hackathon finalists highlight scale of Saudi tech talent

  • World’s largest hackathon underscores growing national enthusiasm for tech innovation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s push to position itself as a global hub for digital innovation was on display this weekend as the Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon 2025 — billed as the world’s largest hackathon — concluded with the announcement of finalist teams competing for prizes totaling SR1 million ($266,000). 

The three-day hackathon, organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, brought together innovators from across the Kingdom to develop digital solutions aligned with the ministry’s digital transformation goals. 

The finalist teams recognized for their projects were: Shadow, Wusool, Watheeq , Tanabbah, HRS, Ikhlaa, Amal, Mustabiq, Al‑Dahna, Inspire, Saqour Al‑Watan, Thaqib, Sawt Al‑Mustaqbal, Manee, and YS Advance International. 

The finalists were announced at the end of the three-day Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy. (AN photo/Supplied)

In addition to cash prizes, the competition offered SR450,000 in support from the National Technology Development Program, along with incubation opportunities at Invi Lab to help teams turn prototypes into market-ready products.   

Tariq Al‑Hamid, official spokesperson for the Absher Conference, told Arab News that the hackathon has generated strong momentum nationwide.  

This year’s event included more than 4,000 participants from all regions of the Kingdom — “a reflection of the growing national enthusiasm for digital innovation,” he said. 

HIGHLIGHT

The Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon brought together innovators from across the Kingdom to develop digital solutions aligned with the ministry’s digital transformation goals. 

According to Al‑Hamid, the 2025 event was structured around four specialized tracks: digital identity and security applications; artificial intelligence for predictive and proactive security; Internet of Things applications supporting field operations; and innovations to enhance or expand services on the Absher Platform. 

Tariq Al-Hamid (center) said that the hackathon’s impact extends beyond prize money. (Supplied)

He added that this focused approach allowed participants “to present high‑quality ideas and advanced prototypes at levels comparable to international competitions.” 

Participants also took part in more than 80 training programs delivered by global partners including Google Cloud, Meta, NVIDIA, and Huawei, an experience Al-Hamid said significantly strengthened both the competition and participants’ skills. 

Al-Hamid said that the hackathon’s impact extends beyond prize money. “More important than the cash reward is the opportunity to turn creative ideas into real products that make an impact on citizens, residents, and visitors.” 

Standout participants often attract the attention of leading national technology companies seeking new talent, he added. 

Participation was open to individuals and teams from across Saudi Arabia, from high school students to industry professionals, highlighting the inclusivity of the event and the breadth of the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem.  

The hackathon forms part of the wider Absher Tuwaiq initiative, a core pillar of the upcoming Absher Conference 2025, which will empower more than 100,000 participants across seven technical tracks in 16 cities, in partnership with 20 local and international organizations. 

The conference, organized by the Ministry of Interior and Tuwaiq Academy, sponsored by Elm Company and held in strategic partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, will take place in Riyadh from Dec. 17 -19. 

The event will showcase national digital innovations and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role in global technology.