RIYADH: Manga Arabia, part of the Saudi Research and Media Group, announced the launch of its Wa’ed initiative during the Riyadh International Book Fair this week.
The initiative is intended to champion rising Saudi and Arab talent in comic-book and manga creation by showcasing their work to Arab readers via the company’s digital channels.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Wa’ed program forms part of Manga Arabia’s broader vision to “cultivate homegrown creators and develop their capabilities within a professional framework that resonates with younger generations.”
It “focuses on identifying promising creative voices and offering them exposure to expansive readership through the publication of original stories rooted in local and regional cultural heritage.”
During the initial rollout, Manga Arabia introduced multiple narratives developed by more than 30 up-and-coming illustrators and storytellers.
The company leverages its substantial domestic and worldwide footprint through two flagship publications — “Manga Arabia for Youth” and “Manga Arabia for Kids” — offered in both digital and physical editions.
With downloads exceeding 12 million from more than 190 nations, Manga Arabia has established itself as a premier gateway for Arab storytelling to international audiences.
Additionally, the firm runs the Manga Arabia Competition to showcase budding writers and illustrators. Across three cycles, the contest has drawn participation from more than 1,500 contestants, distributing prizes valued at more than SAR250,000 ($66,654).
Faris Al-Rashoud, deputy general manager of Manga Arabia, said: “Wa’ed marks a significant advancement in supporting emerging Saudi and Arab manga creators. Backing national and regional talent early in their careers represents a strategic long-term commitment to creative content development. We take pride in featuring works by talented newcomers across our platforms, connecting them with extensive audiences and creating pathways toward professional growth and distinction.
“Nurturing young creators forms the foundation for expanding Arab influence in the global manga landscape. This program aims to create an enabling ecosystem, similar to how international productions have elevated their artists to prominence,” he continued.
Manga Arabia unveils Wa’ed program to nurture Arab comic-book talent
https://arab.news/gy6kv
Manga Arabia unveils Wa’ed program to nurture Arab comic-book talent
- The initiative is intended to champion rising Saudi and Arab talent in comic-book and manga creation
- The company leverages its substantial domestic and worldwide footprint through two flagship publications
Saudi Arabia, regional partners reject any move to displace Palestinians from Gaza
- Expressed deep concern over Israeli statements about the opening of the Rafah crossing in one direction only
RIYADH: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye and Qatar on Friday expressed deep concern over Israeli statements about the opening of the Rafah crossing in one direction only, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a joint statement, the ministers said it was a move that could facilitate the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip into Egypt.
They firmly rejected any attempts to force Palestinians from their land, stressing the need for full adherence to the plan put forward by US President Donald Trump, which stipulated opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions and guaranteeing freedom of movement without coercion.
The ministers emphasized that conditions must be created to allow Palestinians to remain on their land and take part in rebuilding their homeland, under a comprehensive framework aimed at restoring stability and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
They reiterated their appreciation for Trump’s commitment to regional peace and underscored the importance of implementing his plan in full and without obstruction.
The statement also highlighted the urgent need for a sustained ceasefire, an end to civilian suffering, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, and the launch of early recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The ministers further called for conditions that would enable the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in the enclave.
The eight countries reaffirmed their readiness to continue coordinating with the US and international partners to ensure full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and other relevant resolutions, in pursuit of a just and lasting peace based on international law and the two-state solution, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
