For publishers, this signals strategic opportunity.
The Jeddah Book Fair 2025 marked World Arabic Language Day with a dedicated panel discussion on amplifying Arabic literature’s international reach, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s systematic transformation of its publishing sector under Vision 2030.
Organised by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the session convened female academics and industry specialists to address strategic pathways for moving Arabic texts beyond geographic boundaries into wider global circulation.
Market Context and Scale
The fair ran 11–20 December at Jeddah Superdome, representing the Kingdom’s second-largest book publishing event, having grown since its 2015 inception to host over 1,000 publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries across 400 exhibition stands.
The Commission reports that visitor numbers and publisher sales have risen substantially since it assumed responsibility for Saudi book fairs in 2021.
Industry data positions Saudi Arabia’s books sector at $2.28 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $3.21 billion by 2033. This growth trajectory reflects state-backed investment in educational infrastructure, rising literacy rates, and the Commission’s 2020 mandate as one of eleven cultural authorities driving systematic sector reform.
World Arabic Language Day: Publishing Imperative
World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on 18 December since 2012, commemorates Arabic’s 1973 adoption as the UN’s sixth official language. With over 400 million speakers and official status in 24 countries, Arabic content nevertheless comprises less than 1% of digital material globally.
The 2025 UNESCO theme, “Innovative Pathways for Arabic: Policies and Practices for a More Inclusive Linguistic Future,” directly addresses this gap, focusing on expanding Arabic’s presence across education systems, digital platforms, and public discourse.
The View From The Beach
For publishers, this signals strategic opportunity: the Commission’s Tarjim translation initiative and Saudi Publishing House actively seek rights and co-edition deals to internationalise Arabic literature through sustainable institutional approaches.
The fair featured 170+ cultural events, including panel discussions, workshops, and poetry evenings, alongside specialist zones for manga/anime, discounted books, and handicrafts. A dedicated children’s section addressed the growing juvenile segment, reflecting national priorities for early-years reading development.
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.
Regulatory Clarity 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.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
