International publishers should prioritise rights acquisition and local partnerships ahead of the 2026 regulatory framework completion.
The Jeddah Book Fair concluded its 2025 incarnation on 20 December, attracting more than 650,000 visitors across ten days.
With 1,000+ publishing houses and cultural organisations from 24 countries occupying 400 booths, the event offered visitors 195,000 titles, against a backdrop of the “Jeddah Reads” theme that (I know, an “AI word”, but it’s the best fit here) underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic commitment to literacy and knowledge economy goals under Vision 2030.
State-Led Infrastructure Drives Commercial Viability
Abdul Latif Al-Wasel, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission (LPTC), framed the fair as evidence of structural sector reform.
Established in 2020, the LPTC regulates licensing, professional development, and financing channels for publishers and authors. Market data reveals the books sector reached $2.28 billion in 2024, with forecasts of $3.21 billion by 2033 – making it the Gulf’s largest publishing market.
Expanding Programming Creates Multi-Stakeholder Value
The 2025 programme featured 176+ activities, including seminars, workshops, and signings. A dedicated children’s zone delivered 40 interactive experiences, supporting national “Saudi Reads” early-years strategies. First-time Saudi film screenings reflected cross-media integration via the Dhaw Film Support Programme, presenting adaptation rights opportunities for publishers.
Digital Integration and Regulatory Reform
Electronic ticketing, interactive maps, and a new digital licensing portal streamlined operations – critical improvements as 67% of adults engage weekly with digital media.
The LPTC’s Tarjim translation initiative and Saudi Publishing House signal demand for rights deals, while finalised core regulations due in 2026 will clarify foreign entry requirements.
The View From The Beach
The fair offers direct access to a youthful market: 43% of Saudis are under 39, driving e-book and audiobook consumption. With non-oil GDP growth at 4.3% and tourism targets set at 10% of GDP, English-language educational, self-improvement, and entertainment content faces rising demand.
Partnership opportunities span co-edition deals, multimedia licensing, and digital distribution via state-backed platforms.
Saudi Arabia’s publishing ecosystem has matured from state-funded showcase to commercially viable marketplace. International publishers should prioritise rights acquisition and local partnerships ahead of the 2026 regulatory framework completion.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
