Regulatory clarity, state-backed funding, and cross-sector collaboration now create unprecedented partnership opportunities.

Saudi Arabia’s publishing industry is undergoing systematic transformation under the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, established in 2020 as one of eleven cultural authorities driving Vision 2030. The Commission oversees sector strategy, licensing, and professional development while creating financing channels for publishers and authors.

Market data shows the books sector valued at $2.28 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $3.21 billion by 2033.

Jeddah Book Fair 2025: Scale and Opportunity

The Jeddah Book Fair 2025, launched this month under the “Jeddah Reads” slogan, embodies this strategic growth. Over 1,000 publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries occupy 400 booths, cementing the event as a regional hub for rights trading and distribution agreements.

The Commission reports visitor numbers and publisher sales have risen substantially since it assumed responsibility for Saudi book fairs in 2021.

For international publishers, the fair offers direct access to a market where literacy rates and disposable incomes are climbing, supported by state investment in educational infrastructure.

Regulatory Reform and Export Potential

Bassam Al-Bassam, General Manager of the Publishing Department, confirmed the Commission is finalising core regulations to streamline publishing processes and enhance sector value. This includes creating infrastructure for international cooperation, enabling Saudi publishers to export culture abroad while facilitating foreign entry.

The Commission’s participation in global book fairs further strengthens this bilateral exchange.

Cross-Media Integration

A significant 2025 development is the dedicated film production programme, showcasing Saudi films supported by the “Dhaw” Film Support Programme. This convergence presents multimedia rights opportunities for publishers, particularly in adaptation and content licensing.

Sector Specialisation and Consumer Engagement

The fair features 170+ cultural events, including panel discussions, workshops, and poetry evenings. Specialist zones include manga/anime, discounted books, and a Handicrafts Corner marking 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts.

A dedicated children’s area addresses the growing juvenile segment – recognising that early-years reading initiatives are central to the Commission’s “Saudi Reads” national strategy.

Domestic Publisher Landscape

Kadi and Ramadi, a Saudi children’s publisher celebrating its twentieth anniversary, exemplifies domestic sector maturation. Founder Thuraya Batarji stresses the importance of infancy-level reading (three to six months) and parental co-reading, reflecting educational priorities shaping content demand.

The View From The Beach

International publishers should note: the market balances print dominance with rapid digital growth, e-commerce competition remains intense, and cultural sensitivities affect content clearance.

However, regulatory clarity, state-backed funding, and cross-sector collaboration now create unprecedented partnership opportunities.

The Commission’s Tarjim translation initiative and Saudi Publishing House further signal demand for rights and co-edition deals.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.