Press: Forbes 50 over 50 | 2024
Halla recognised by Forbes 50 OVER 50: Europe, Middle East And Africa 2024
Khalid grew up in a Saudi Arabian family where art and self-expression were not encouraged, but she taught herself how to draw and built a career on her illustrations. She had her first solo exhibition in 1991 and established a publishing house in 1997. Since then, she has released 18 children’s books in both Arabic and English. In 2020, she became the co-owner of Gharem Studios, a non-profit organization that encourages artists to explore their culture and heritage. A mother of five, Khalid’s illustrations draw on her Saudi heritage and experience growing up in a society constrained by strict gender rules.