Why Saudi Arabia Is Investing in Literature and Local Publishing

How Vision 2030 is reshaping the Kingdom’s literary future

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its investment in culture and the creative economy—and the book sector is one of its main focus areas.

Driven by the country’s Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom is developing infrastructure, funding, and policies that support local authors, publishers, and cultural institutions. From literary prizes to book fairs to national strategies for translation and digital access, Saudi Arabia is building the foundations for a thriving literary ecosystem.


Culture as a pillar of national transformation

Vision 2030 positions culture as a driver of both economic and social change. Key government initiatives supporting the publishing sector include:

  • The Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, established to develop policies and funding for the book industry
  • A growing number of book fairs across Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and the Eastern Province
  • State-sponsored support for Arabic-language content creation and author development
  • Public investments in libraries, digital archives, and reading programs

The goal is not only to preserve literary heritage, but to create new space for voices, stories, and platforms that reflect the diversity of Saudi culture.


A shift toward digital and independent publishing

As part of its broader transformation, Saudi Arabia is embracing digital tools and formats:

  • 📱 High smartphone penetration is driving mobile-first reading habits
  • 🧑‍💻 Self-publishing is gaining momentum, supported by platforms and writing communities
  • 🎧 Audiobooks are on the rise, especially among younger readers
  • 📚 Universities and institutions are transitioning to ebook-based academic materials

Digital publishing is helping to overcome traditional distribution barriers and expand access to reading across the country.


Opportunities for publishers in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia offers fertile ground for innovation and growth in the publishing space:

  • A large, young, tech-native population
  • Increasing openness to international partnerships
  • Strong demand for educational and bilingual content
  • Supportive infrastructure for events, distribution, and policy

For both local and international publishers, the Kingdom presents a chance to co-create the next phase of Arabic publishing—in print, digital, and audio.


How Bookset supports Saudi authors and publishers

Bookset offers a powerful tool for professionals in Saudi Arabia to:

  • Launch branded ebook or audiobook platforms in Arabic and English
  • Sell, lend, or give access to content from one dashboard
  • Customize their user interface for mobile-first audiences
  • Track performance with real-time analytics
  • Build long-term reader relationships—without relying on third-party stores

Whether you’re building an independent press, a university catalog, or a cultural archive, Bookset enables professional digital publishing, local or global.


Conclusion

Saudi Arabia is not just investing in books—it’s investing in a new publishing infrastructure, one that values culture, education, and innovation.

For authors and publishers looking to lead in the region, this is the moment to embrace digital tools and reach readers directly.


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