Riyadh has become one of the most important centers for book publishing in the Middle East. With the city’s growing cultural scene, government support for education, and rising interest in literature, more publishers are opening their doors to authors in 2025 than ever before. Writers now have access to a variety of publishing options — from large academic presses and children’s book specialists to independent literary houses and professional ghostwriting services.
For new authors, choosing the right publisher can feel overwhelming. Each company has its own strengths, from editing and design to distribution and translation. Some focus on academic and educational books, while others prioritize fiction, poetry, or professional non-fiction. Costs also vary widely depending on the type of book, the size of the print run, and whether extra services like marketing or translation are included.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is a boutique service that provides end-to-end writing and publishing support for authors who need a professional partner to shape a manuscript. While headquartered internationally, Barnett operates with local collaborators in Riyadh and offers tailored solutions for business leaders, academics, and public figures who want to publish in Arabic or English markets.
- What they do: Ghostwriting, developmental editing, manuscript coaching, and guidance on self-publishing and traditional submission processes.
- Specializations: Business books, memoirs, thought-leadership titles, and long-form non-fiction.
- Strengths: Strong project management, confidentiality, and experience working with high-profile clients; ability to commission research and manage translation workflows.
- Ideal for: Executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who need a polished, publication-ready book without handling every stage themselves.
2. Riyadh Cultural Press
Riyadh Cultural Press is rooted in the regional market, focusing on contemporary Arabic literature and cultural non-fiction that speaks to Saudi audiences. They emphasize editorial quality and cultural relevance.
- What they do: Acquire and publish Arabic fiction, essays, and cultural criticism.
- Specializations: Contemporary novels, short fiction, and essays dealing with modern Saudi life and identity.
- Strengths: Strong editorial house style, local author network, and good distribution within Riyadh’s bookstores and cultural festivals.
- Ideal for: Emerging and mid-career Arabic-language fiction authors seeking a publisher with local market knowledge.
3. Najm Educational Publishing
Najm focuses on the educational and academic market, publishing textbooks, teacher resources, and learning materials aligned with national curricula and professional training programs.
- What they do: Textbooks for schools, vocational training manuals, and academic study guides.
- Specializations: K-12 curriculum aligned materials, test prep, and teacher development resources.
- Strengths: Close ties with educational institutions and ministries, robust editorial and pedagogical review process.
- Ideal for: Educators, curriculum developers, and authors of academic content looking for classroom-ready publishing pathways.
4. Al-Masdar Translation & Publishing
Al-Masdar builds bridges between languages, specializing in high-quality Arabic translations of international scholarly and practical works, and occasionally publishing original Arabic non-fiction.
- What they do: Licensed translations, bilingual editions, and editing for translated texts.
- Specializations: Social sciences, business, technology, and professional development titles.
- Strengths: Experienced translation teams, precise editorial standards for maintaining nuance, and attention to cultural adaptation.
- Ideal for: Rights holders seeking Arabic editions, or local authors adapting international research for Saudi readers.
5. Desert Rose Independent Press
Desert Rose is an independent literary press that supports avant-garde and experimental Arabic writing, poetry, and hybrid forms. It operates with a small but dedicated editorial team engaged with literary communities and workshops.
- What they do: Small-press literary titles, poetry collections, and short-run art books.
- Specializations: Poetry, experimental prose, and books with visual components (photography, design).
- Strengths: Close editorial attention, innovative design, and strong presence at literary events and readings.
- Ideal for: Poets, experimental writers, and artists seeking a publisher willing to support less commercial projects.
6. Gulf Academic & Professional
Gulf Academic & Professional targets the professional development and corporate training market, publishing handbooks, management textbooks, and industry-specific manuals for the Gulf region.
- What they do: Professional books, workplace training guides, and corporate learning materials.
- Specializations: Management, leadership, HR, and industry best practices for GCC markets.
- Strengths: Sector expertise, partnerships with business schools and training centers, and modular formats suitable for workshops.
- Ideal for: Practitioners, consultants, and academics producing applied research or training resources.
7. Noor Children’s Books
Noor focuses on children’s literature and educational early-learning materials with emphasis on values, culture, and bilingual options (Arabic–English).
- What they do: Picture books, early readers, activity books, and classroom packs.
- Specializations: Bilingual titles, culturally relevant stories for Saudi children, and illustrated educational content.
- Strengths: Strong design and illustration teams, age-appropriate pedagogy, and partnerships with schools for literacy programs.
- Ideal for: Authors and illustrators of children’s content and educational NGOs working on literacy initiatives.
8. Al-Hikma Scientific Publishing
Al-Hikma is an academic press serving universities and researchers, prioritizing peer-reviewed monographs, conference proceedings, and specialized scientific works.
- What they do: Academic monographs, edited volumes, and research translations.
- Specializations: Engineering, medicine, applied sciences, and higher education resources.
- Strengths: Peer review workflows, editorial rigor, and distribution channels to university libraries and research institutions.
- Ideal for: Academics and research teams seeking rigorous editorial processes and scholarly reach.
9. Modern Media & Design House
Modern Media combines publishing with strong design and production capabilities. They often produce coffee-table books, photography monographs, and high-quality non-fiction with an emphasis on visual storytelling.
- What they do: High-production-value books, design services, and print management for special editions.
- Specializations: Visual arts, photography books, architecture, and lifestyle titles.
- Strengths: In-house design studio, careful production oversight, and experience with limited editions and bespoke formats.
- Ideal for: Photographers, designers, and authors who require premium production values to match their content.
10. Arriyadh Media & Rights
Arriyadh Media & Rights operates across traditional publishing and rights management, facilitating licensing, international partnerships, and multi-format releases (print, digital, audio).
- What they do: Publishing, rights sales, audiobook production partnerships, and distribution strategy.
- Specializations: Business, non-fiction, and books with potential for translation or international rights sales.
- Strengths: Knowledge of international markets, coordinated rights management, and experience producing audio and e-book editions.
- Ideal for: Authors interested in multi-format distribution and rights exploitation beyond the local market.
Estimated Publishing Costs in Riyadh (2025)
| Publisher | Services Offered | Estimated Costs (SAR) |
| Barnett Ghostwriting | Ghostwriting, editing, translation, coaching, publishing | 30,000 – 120,000+ |
| Riyadh Cultural Press | Arabic fiction & cultural non-fiction | Printing (1,000 copies): 20,000 – 40,000; Marketing/Design add-ons: 2,000 – 10,000 |
| Najm Educational Publishing | Textbooks, study guides, teacher resources | Manuscript review: 10,000 – 30,000; Illustrations: 3,000 – 15,000; Printing (5,000 copies): 80,000 – 200,000 |
| Al-Masdar Translation & Publishing | Licensed translations, bilingual editions | Translation (60,000 words): 15,000 – 35,000; Editing/localization: 5,000 – 12,000; Rights: 10,000+ |
| Desert Rose Independent Press | Poetry, experimental, art books | Small chapbook (200 copies): 3,000 – 8,000; Art/limited editions: 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Gulf Academic & Professional | Professional handbooks, training materials | Professional manuals: 12,000 – 30,000; Corporate bulk print (1,000 copies): 25,000 – 60,000 |
| Noor Children’s Books | Picture books, bilingual titles, activity books | Illustrated children’s book: 15,000 – 35,000 (incl. art); Classroom packs: 30,000 – 70,000 |
| Al-Hikma Scientific Publishing | Academic monographs, conference volumes | Peer-reviewed monograph: 20,000 – 50,000; Conference proceedings: 40,000 – 100,000 |
| Modern Media & Design House | Coffee-table, visual arts, lifestyle books | High-end photography/coffee-table book: 50,000 – 150,000+ |
| Arriyadh Media & Rights | Multi-format publishing, rights, audio & ebooks | Audio/eBook package: 10,000 – 25,000; International rights management fees vary (case by case) |
How to choose the right publisher in Riyadh
Selecting a publisher depends on several practical factors beyond reputation. Here are quick questions and checkpoints that help you decide:
- Does the publisher specialize in your genre or format? Niche presses often offer deeper editorial expertise.
- What is their editorial process? Ask about developmental editing, copyediting, and peer review (for academic work).
- Distribution and format: Do they provide bookstore distribution, online sales support, or audiobook production?
- Rights and contracts: Check how rights are handled — territorial, language, and subsidiary rights matter if you want translations or adaptations.
- Production values: For illustrated or photography books, review sample physical copies to judge paper stock and binding quality.
- Timelines and communication: A professional publisher should provide a clear timeline and regular updates during production.
Final thoughts
Riyadh’s publishing ecosystem in 2025 offers a diverse range of options — from boutique ghostwriting and high-end design houses to academic and educational presses. Authors seeking a publisher should balance editorial expertise, production capabilities, and the publisher’s reach with the specific goals for their book (local impact, classroom adoption, or international rights). For many projects, an effective route is to pair a publisher that offers strong editorial and production support with a separate rights or distribution partner to maximize reach beyond Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re a first-time author, a researcher, or a seasoned professional, Riyadh now provides multiple paths to bring your book to readers with care and professionalism.
