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 launches initiative to reroute Gulf cargo to Red Sea ports
- The initiative comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted by the widening conflict in the region
- Since the US and Israel struck Iran last month, Tehran has moved to restrict passage through the waterway
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched an initiative to redirect shipping from ports in the Arabian Gulf to its Red Sea ports amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war.
Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser, who also chairs the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), launched the Logistics Corridors Initiative alongside Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority Governor Suhail Abanmi, Mawani President Suliman Al-Mazroua, and other officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative will establish dedicated operational corridors to receive containers and cargo redirected from ports in the Kingdom's Eastern Region and other Gulf Cooperation Council states to Jeddah Islamic Port and other Red Sea coast ports.
Al-Jasser said the Kingdom was committed to ensuring supply-chain stability and the smooth flow of goods through global trade routes. Jeddah Islamic Port and other west coast ports, he added, were already playing a key role in accommodating shipments redirected from the east, while also linking Gulf cargo to regional and international markets.
The initiative comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted by the widening conflict in the region. Iran has long threatened to close the strait — the world's most critical oil and gas chokepoint, through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass — in the event of a war.
Since the US and Israel struck Iran last month, Tehran has moved to restrict passage through the waterway, sending freight rates soaring and forcing shipping companies to seek alternative routes.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea ports offer a viable bypass, connecting Gulf cargo to global markets without passing through the strait.
