The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly positioning itself as a dominant force in the regional publishing industry, leveraging its strategic initiatives, infrastructure investments, and cultural projects. With a vision that aligns with its broader goals of diversification and global influence, the UAE is set to lead the publishing sector in the Middle East over the next decade.
Abu Dhabi: Cultural Foundation and ADIBF
Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in establishing itself as a cultural hub, particularly through the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). Launched in 1981, ADIBF has grown into one of the largest book fairs in the Arab world, attracting more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 50 countries annually. The fair is not only a platform for the exchange of ideas but also a vital marketplace for regional and international publishers, facilitating the sale and translation of Arabic literature. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) has invested in numerous initiatives like the Kalima Project, which translates significant global literary works into Arabic, further enriching the region’s literary landscape.
Dubai: Knowledge-Based Economy and Global Partnerships
Dubai, known for its visionary leadership and ambitious projects, is also making its mark in the publishing industry. The Dubai Media City (DMC), established in 2000, is a free zone dedicated to media and publishing companies. It hosts more than 2,000 companies, including international giants like HarperCollins and Thomson Reuters. Dubai’s emphasis on fostering a knowledge-based economy is evident in its annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which has become a significant cultural event in the region. The festival attracts authors, poets, and publishers from around the world, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration. Furthermore, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) plays a pivotal role in promoting Arabic literature and fostering a culture of reading through initiatives like the “Dubai Digital Library,” which aims to digitize and make accessible thousands of Arabic books.
Sharjah: A Cultural Beacon with Global Recognition
Sharjah’s commitment to culture and literature is unmatched in the region. Named the World Book Capital by UNESCO in 2019, Sharjah has long been a champion of the publishing industry. The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), established in 1982, is the largest in the Arab world and the third largest globally. In 2022, SIBF attracted over 2.17 million visitors and featured 2,213 publishers from 95 countries. The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), the world’s first publishing and printing free zone, offers unparalleled support to publishers with state-of-the-art facilities, tax exemptions, and 100% ownership rights.
The UAE’s strategic investments in the cultural and publishing sectors, coupled with its vision for a knowledge-based economy, position it as a leader in the regional publishing industry. With continued support for initiatives in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, the UAE is well on its way to becoming the publishing capital of the Arab world in the next ten years.
