LONDON: Saudi columnist and author Ritaj Al-Hazmi, 15, has been awarded a second Guinness World Record, this time for being the world’s youngest female newspaper columnist.
The young writer previously featured in the famed Guinness World Records, aged just 12, for being the youngest female to publish a book series.
Now taking to the world of journalism, Al-Hazmi is reporting on the transformation of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the potential of a new generation of youth to revolutionize the Kingdom’s economy.
The 15-year-old earned her latest record after authoring 10 articles for Arab News, focusing on projects in Saudi Arabia such as The Line and NEOM within the Vision 2030 program.
Al-Hazmi also covered subjects like Saudi Arabia’s space program, cultural preservation, sustainability as well as local initiatives.
She told Arab News about her hopes for the future of the Kingdom, saying: “With the many initiatives and programs we see today, I believe we will be able to see huge progress throughout the next few years that will not only hone the new generation’s potential, but also assure a thriving economy.”
Al-Hazmi began writing short stories aged just six, with the encouragement of her family who enrolled her in creative writing classes.
She published her first English-language novels, “Treasure of the Lost Sea” and “Portal of the Hidden World,” in 2019 when she was 10. In 2021, she published her third novel, “Beyond the Future World.”
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring writers, Al-Hazmi said: “If you’re passionate about being a writer then one thing you should remember is that no matter the hardships you may face, you should always strive to move forward.
“Writing is a way to share your thoughts and opinions with the world. It’s a creative process, a kind of art that has many different forms. Find your style!”
After Al-Hazmi was awarded her latest record, she said on X: “New title in the Guinness World Records as the youngest newspaper writer.
“This is after I published more than nine articles in the newspaper Arab News, all of which talk about the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and empowering the new generation.”
