SAUDI TEEN RITAJ ALHAZMI MAKES HISTORY WITH TWO GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
Saudi Arabian writer Ritaj Hussain Alhazmi has inspired young people around the world after achieving two Guinness World Records through her passion for books, storytelling and journalism.
Ritaj began writing at an exceptionally young age and went on to become a published author before her teenage years. Her journey eventually led her to achieve a Guinness World Records title as the youngest person to publish a book series (female).
At the age of 12 years and 295 days, Ritaj earned the record after publishing multiple books in her fantasy series. Guinness World Records reported that she had started writing when she was just six years old and began visiting libraries in Saudi Arabia at around seven. (Guinness World Records)
From a Young Reader to a Published Author
Ritaj's first English-language novel, Treasure of the Lost Sea, was published in 2019 when she was 11.
The story follows two siblings who discover a lost treasure and become involved in an unexpected adventure. Her second book, Portal of the Hidden World, was published on November 1, 2020. She later published Beyond the Future World, followed by a fourth book, The Passage to the Unknown. (Guinness World Records)
Her books were created particularly with young readers in mind. Ritaj explained that she wanted to write for children in her age group because she felt there were not enough novels specifically aimed at them. Her goal was to encourage children to think creatively and expand their imagination. (Guinness World Records)
Ritaj Achieves a Second Guinness World Record
Ritaj's achievements did not stop with becoming a young published author.
In 2024, Guinness World Records announced that she had achieved another record as the youngest newspaper columnist (female) at the age of 15 years and 37 days. (Guinness World Records)
As a columnist for Arab News Pakistan, Ritaj has written about subjects including Saudi culture, environmental issues and sustainability. Her work demonstrates how young people can use writing not only for storytelling but also to discuss important issues affecting society and the world. (Guinness World Records)
Her Writing Journey Started at Just Six
Ritaj has said that she started writing when she was only six years old while accompanying her family abroad. By seven, she was regularly visiting libraries in Saudi Arabia and writing short stories. (Guinness World Records)
She has also spoken about the importance of learning the craft of writing. In an interview with Guinness World Records, she discussed storytelling structure, character development and even the challenge of writer's block. She said that training and writing courses helped her improve her skills. (Guinness World Records)
Her story provides an important lesson for young aspiring writers: talent can be a starting point, but reading, practice, learning and persistence are what help creative skills grow.
Why Reading and Writing Are Important for Children
Ritaj's journey also highlights the educational benefits of encouraging children to read and write from an early age.
Reading exposes children to new vocabulary, ideas, characters and different ways of seeing the world. Writing, meanwhile, allows children to organize their thoughts, develop creativity and communicate their ideas.
Parents and teachers can encourage these skills by giving children access to age-appropriate books, allowing them to choose topics they enjoy and encouraging them to write short stories, poems, journals or even their own fictional characters.
Ritaj's experience shows that children do not necessarily have to wait until adulthood to begin creating meaningful work.
Her Records Have Since Been Surpassed
It is important to note that Ritaj's Guinness achievements are historic achievements rather than records she currently holds.
The Guinness World Records title for youngest person to publish a book series (female) is now held by Nihira Budhiraja of India, who achieved the record at 3 years and 250 days on August 15, 2024. (Guinness World Records)
Similarly, Guinness currently lists AlDhabi AlMheiri of the United Arab Emirates as the youngest female newspaper columnist, after she achieved the title at 10 years and 99 days on October 19, 2024. (Guinness World Records)
Nevertheless, Ritaj's achievements remain remarkable because she became a Guinness World Records holder in two different areas of writing during her teenage years.
An Inspiration for the Next Generation
Ritaj Alhazmi's journey from a young girl who loved visiting libraries to a published author and newspaper columnist demonstrates the power of curiosity and persistence.
Her story sends a valuable message to children everywhere: read widely, develop your imagination, practice your skills and don't be afraid to share your ideas with the world.
For young readers dreaming of becoming writers one day, Ritaj's journey proves that the first chapter of a successful writing career can begin much earlier than they might imagine.
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