Saudi literary agency to transform children’s book publishing

Saudi literary agency to transform children’s book publishing
1 / 3
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)
Saudi literary agency to transform children’s book publishing
2 / 3
Layal Idriss, Radish House Agency founder
Saudi literary agency to transform children’s book publishing
3 / 3
Layal Idriss, Radish House Agency founder
Short Url
Updated 21 November 2023
Follow

Saudi literary agency to transform children’s book publishing

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.

 


In Saudi Arabia it’s never just coffee

In Saudi Arabia it’s never just coffee
Updated 15 September 2024
Follow

In Saudi Arabia it’s never just coffee

In Saudi Arabia it’s never just coffee
  • We take a look at Saudi cafes keeping it fresh with creative marketing campaigns

RIYADH: In a market saturated with options, standing out is key, and some Saudi coffee shops have turned to quirky, attention-grabbing marketing strategies to attract customers.

From asking patrons to dance for their coffee to surprising communities with clever stunts, these marketing ideas are as creative as they are crazy. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing promotions that have stirred up a buzz in the Kingdom.

Dance for your coffee

At Daily Cup, a Riyadh coffee spot known for its lively atmosphere, customers are not just greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee but with an unusual challenge: dance for your coffee. The concept is simple yet effective. Anyone willing to bust a move in the front of store can earn themselves a free cup of coffee.

Namq launched a special promotion offering free coffee to anyone born in the 1990s. (Instagram/namq_cafe)

This lighthearted promotion quickly became a hit with younger customers, who relished the chance to show off their moves in exchange for a free drink.

“Honestly, it’s a lot of fun,” Deemah Mohammed, a local customer, told Arab News. “At first it was a bit embarrassing, but once you see others doing it, you realize it’s all about having a good time. Plus, who doesn’t love free coffee?”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Riyadh clubb! (@riyadhclubb)

Neighbor with a twist

When Nas in Dammam prepared to open a new branch in a quiet residential neighborhood, they decided to introduce themselves in an unexpected way. Residents found a polite note in their mailboxes that appeared to be from a new family moving into the area.

Half Million customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. (Instagram/halfmillion_sa)

The message, written with warmth and sincerity, apologized for any noise or disruption caused by the “housewarming party” preparations and assured neighbors that they were doing their best to minimize any disturbance.

What made this marketing strategy even more effective was its effect on social media. A post featuring the message quickly went viral on X, gaining nearly 17,000 likes.

At first glance, the note seemed to be from a friendly new family. But as residents soon discovered, this was in fact a marketing tactic by Nas, cleverly designed to create a sense of community and goodwill before the coffee shop officially opened its doors.

Half Million customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. (Instagram/halfmillion_sa)

This inventive approach not only generated buzz but also endeared Nas to the neighborhood, setting the stage for a welcome launch.

With this campaign, Nas demonstrated how a personal touch and a bit of creativity can go a long way in building customer loyalty, even before the first cup is served.

Free cuppa for ’90s kids

Namq, a modern coffee concept with a knack for connecting with the youth, launched a special promotion offering free coffee to anyone born in the 1990s. The targeted campaign sparked excitement, with millennials flocking to Namq outlets throughout the Kingdom for their free drink.

The promotion became a trending topic on social media, but it also left younger customers asking: “What about us?”

The wave of demand from Gen Z was so strong that another coffee shop in Riyadh, Bros, decided to follow suit with a similar offer, this time for customers born in the 2000s. The friendly competition between the two shops added a layer of excitement as coffee lovers compared which generation had the better deal.

 

Bring a lemon, get a cake

Saadeddin, a well-known patisserie in the region, took an unconventional route with one of its promotions. Customers were asked to bring a lemon to the store in exchange for a free cake. While it may sound odd, the idea quickly caught on.

Invoice for a refill

Half Million, another popular coffee chain in the Kingdom, introduced a clever promotion that encouraged repeat visits. Customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. This strategy not only incentivized customers to come back, but also subtly boosted the shop’s sales and customer loyalty.

“It’s a smart way to keep customers engaged,” said customer Nada Al-Harbi, who frequents Half Million. “You’re more likely to return if you know you can get another cup for free. Plus, it gives you an excuse to take a break in the middle of a busy day.”

Drive-thru surprises

When Cosmo opened a new branch in Dammam, they decided to treat their customers with unexpected gifts when they ring up the bill at their drive-through. Anyone who drove by could receive a free gift. The promotion created a sense of excitement and anticipation, with customers eagerly queuing up to see what surprise awaited them.

“A clever and attractive marketing idea because it feels more like a social experiment than a marketing campaign. Cosmo is known for its reputation and products, but this wasn’t about the product itself, it was a new experience with items you didn’t even know about,” said Wedad Bugrarah, the lucky recipient of a large box of desserts.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cosmo Cafe (@cosmocafe_sa)

Whether through humor, surprise, or a sense of community, these campaigns do more than simply promote a product — they create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.

Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of humor — or a lemon — to leave a lasting impression.

 


Three Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees arrested after receiving bribes: Nazaha

Three Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees arrested after receiving bribes: Nazaha
Updated 15 September 2024
Follow

Three Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees arrested after receiving bribes: Nazaha

Three Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees arrested after receiving bribes: Nazaha
  • Bribes amounted to SR2,232,000 and were received in instalments in exchange for facilitating the smuggling and export of 372 shipping containers of diesel

RIYADH: Three employees of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority at the King Abdullah Port in Rabigh have been arrested after receiving bribes from six residents.

The bribes amounted to SR2,232,000 ($594,814) and were received in instalments in exchange for facilitating the smuggling and export of 372 shipping containers of restricted petroleum products (diesel), and using the names of commercial entities in the smuggling process.

Legal procedures against the three employees and six residents are underway in accordance with the laws and regulations, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) said on Sunday.

The names of the employees, who are citizens, are:

1. Rashid Mohammed Al-Shabrami

2. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Jizani

3. Saleh Hamoud Al-Harbi

The names of the residents are:

1. Osama Mohsen Al-Olaqi (Yemeni resident)

2. Abdulaziz Omar Al-Qaeti (Yemeni resident)

3. Hussein Omar Al-Qaeti (Yemeni resident)

4. Fouad Salahuddin Bair (Pakistani resident- investor)

5. Mohammad Ghanim Al-Manla (Syrian resident)

6. Saeed Awad Bazbaidi (Yemeni resident)


Shoura Council speaker meets newly appointed Saudi ambassadors in Riyadh

Shoura Council speaker meets newly appointed Saudi ambassadors in Riyadh
Updated 15 September 2024
Follow

Shoura Council speaker meets newly appointed Saudi ambassadors in Riyadh

Shoura Council speaker meets newly appointed Saudi ambassadors in Riyadh
  • Al-Sheikh wished the ambassadors success in performing their diplomatic duties

RIYADH: Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh met with the newly appointed Saudi ambassadors of several countries in Riyadh on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ambassadors in attendance included Ibrahim Bishan, ambassador to Oman; Mishaal Al-Sulami, ambassador to Mauritania; Mohammed Al-Barakah, ambassador to Ukraine; Fawaz Al-Shabili, ambassador to Cyprus; and Abdullah Sabr, ambassador to Mali.

Al-Sheikh wished the ambassadors success in performing their diplomatic duties in a way that contributes to strengthening relations between the Kingdom and the countries to which they were appointed.

 


Saudi Arabia condemns knife attack on Comoros president

Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
Updated 15 September 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns knife attack on Comoros president

Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
  • President of Comoros was “slightly injured” in a knife attack while attending the funeral of a religious leader on Friday
  • Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry wished the president a speedy recovery

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
The president of the Indian Ocean island nation was “slightly injured” in a knife attack while attending the funeral of a religious leader on Friday, his office said.
The suspect, who was identified as a 24-year-old male soldier, was then found dead in a police cell on Saturday.
The Kingdom affirmed its support for Comoros and its people in the face of all threats to its security and stability.
The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry wished the president a speedy recovery and the country’s people safety, stability, and prosperity.
Assoumani’s injuries were not serious and he had returned to his home, his office has said in a statement. It added that the attacker was arrested by security forces and was taken into custody, but authorities said he had been discovered a day later “unresponsive” in a cell where he was being held and was declared dead.


Egyptian PM arrives in Riyadh

Egyptian PM arrives in Riyadh
Updated 15 September 2024
Follow

Egyptian PM arrives in Riyadh

Egyptian PM arrives in Riyadh
  • Madbouly and accompanying delegation were received by the Deputy Governor of the Riyadh region

RIYADH: The Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly arrived in Riyadh on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Madbouly and his accompanying delegation were received by the Deputy Governor of the Riyadh region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz.

The Saudi ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini and Egyptian envoy to the Kingdom Ahmed Farouk Mohammed Tawfik also welcomed Madbouly on his arrival.