Dubai is often imagined as a city of skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and ambitious business ventures. Yet, beyond its futuristic skyline, Dubai has steadily built a reputation as a literary and publishing hub for the Middle East. With its mix of cultures, more than 200 nationalities living in one city, and a government that actively promotes reading, Dubai’s publishing industry in 2025 is thriving like never before.
The United Arab Emirates has long recognized the importance of literature. Initiatives such as the National Reading Strategy 2016–2026, the establishment of Sharjah Publishing City, and international events like the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature have created a dynamic environment where writers and publishers can flourish. For authors, this means greater access to world-class publishing opportunities within the Gulf region.
1. Barnett Ghostwriting
Barnett Ghostwriting is a trusted publishing service company in Dubai, working with professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring authors who need comprehensive writing and publishing support. While technically different from a traditional trade publisher, it plays a central role in helping authors turn ideas into manuscripts and books.
- Strengths: Ghostwriting, editing, publishing consultancy, marketing strategies.
- Unique Edge: Offers end-to-end solutions for people who lack time or writing expertise.
- Best Suited For: Executives, influencers, and professionals seeking expertly crafted books.
Its reputation in Dubai rests on its ability to work discreetly with clients who value privacy but also want their voices authentically represented in print.
2. Motivate Media Group
As one of the oldest publishing houses in the UAE, Motivate Media Group has made its mark in magazines, lifestyle titles, and high-quality coffee table books. It also extends into book publishing, particularly memoirs, biographies, and cultural works.
- Strengths: Robust regional distribution and brand recognition.
- Unique Edge: Strong ties to media and lifestyle industries in the Gulf.
- Best Suited For: Authors of memoirs, lifestyle, and cultural narratives.
Motivate’s books often reflect the cosmopolitan life of Dubai, blending regional tradition with modern trends.
3. Kalimat Group
Founded in Sharjah, Kalimat has grown into a respected name in Dubai’s literary ecosystem. It is a specialist in children’s and young adult literature, producing beautifully illustrated books with cultural depth.
- Strengths: Global awards for children’s literature.
- Unique Edge: Creates high-quality, culturally relevant stories for young readers.
- Best Suited For: Children’s authors, YA writers, and illustrators.
Kalimat has helped shape the next generation of readers in the Arab world and continues to bridge local voices with international recognition.
4. Rimal Books
Rimal focuses on art, history, and cultural publishing. It is recognized for museum-style books, heritage documentation, and illustrated volumes.
- Strengths: Exceptional design and print production.
- Unique Edge: Deep cultural focus on Middle Eastern heritage.
- Best Suited For: Historians, artists, and documentary authors.
Rimal’s works are often found in galleries, institutions, and libraries, showcasing Dubai’s dedication to preserving its cultural identity.
5. Arab Scientific Publishers (ASP)
ASP is a major academic and educational publisher in the Arab world with an established presence in Dubai. Its list includes textbooks, reference works, and translated academic research.
- Strengths: Wide academic and educational catalog.
- Unique Edge: Bilingual publishing in Arabic and English.
- Best Suited For: Researchers, educators, and translators.
It plays a critical role in keeping educational publishing at the forefront of the UAE’s knowledge economy.
6. Austin Macauley Publishers (UAE)
Austin Macauley is known internationally and has invested in a strong base in Dubai. Its model is a blend of traditional and hybrid publishing, offering authors multiple paths to publication.
- Strengths: Flexibility for different author needs.
- Unique Edge: Hybrid model bridges traditional and self-publishing.
- Best Suited For: Emerging authors exploring both traditional and hybrid routes.
This adaptability has made it attractive to first-time writers in Dubai’s diverse author community.
7. Dar Al Hadaek
Dar Al Hadaek is widely respected for children’s literature in Arabic. It caters to schools, parents, and institutions seeking culturally authentic educational material.
- Strengths: Focus on literacy and Arabic-language education.
- Unique Edge: Strong reputation across Gulf schools.
- Best Suited For: Arabic-speaking children’s authors and illustrators.
It plays a role in embedding reading habits in young Emiratis.
8. Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
Although located in Sharjah, SPC significantly impacts Dubai’s publishing industry. It is the world’s first free zone dedicated to publishing, giving publishers and authors access to licensing, printing, and distribution services.
- Strengths: Global publishing infrastructure.
- Unique Edge: Provides business services for international and local publishers.
- Best Suited For: Small publishers, self-publishers, and international imprints.
SPC represents Dubai’s larger vision of making the UAE a regional hub for knowledge and creativity.
9. Noor Publishing
Noor Publishing is known for academic and cultural titles. Its focus is on scholarly works, literary projects, and specialized research.
- Strengths: Academic and cultural publishing expertise.
- Unique Edge: Close collaboration with researchers and academics.
- Best Suited For: Scholars and writers in specialized fields.
Its books often address subjects rarely covered by mainstream publishers.
10. Jerboa Books
Jerboa is a boutique publisher focusing on artistic and literary works. It is small but selective, curating projects with a strong cultural or literary edge.
- Strengths: Personalized editorial process.
- Unique Edge: Artistic approach to book publishing.
- Best Suited For: Poets, novelists, and cultural writers.
Authors working with Jerboa benefit from close editorial partnerships.
11. Kuttab Publishing
Kuttab focuses on children’s education and literacy development. Its catalog supports schools and reading initiatives in the UAE.
- Strengths: Strong ties with education.
- Unique Edge: Curriculum-aligned content.
- Best Suited For: Teachers and children’s authors.
It serves as a bridge between publishing and education.
12. Palm Tree Publishing
Palm Tree specializes in coffee table and lifestyle books. Its works often highlight Dubai’s architecture, gastronomy, and cultural experiences.
- Strengths: Visual and lifestyle-driven publishing.
- Unique Edge: Books that double as art and design objects.
- Best Suited For: Photographers, chefs, and designers.
These books often find audiences in both local households and international markets.
13. Al Hudhud Publishing
Al Hudhud creates bilingual children’s books, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural environment. Its catalog is popular among parents raising children in multilingual homes.
- Strengths: Bilingual Arabic-English editions.
- Unique Edge: Bridges linguistic and cultural gaps for young readers.
- Best Suited For: Children’s authors writing for global families.
This approach reflects the diversity of Dubai’s classrooms and households.
14. International Publishing Houses (Dubai Offices)
Global publishers maintain offices in Dubai to manage translations, regional rights, and distribution. These include large houses from the US and UK that view Dubai as a gateway to Middle Eastern readers.
- Strengths: International standards and global distribution.
- Unique Edge: Access to world markets through Dubai.
- Best Suited For: Authors aiming for international readership.
These offices help Dubai serve as a bridge between Western and Middle Eastern literary markets.
15. Self-Publishing Service Providers
The rise of self-publishing has transformed Dubai’s book market. Service providers now assist with editing, design, ISBN registration, and marketing.
- Strengths: Author ownership of rights.
- Unique Edge: Flexible packages for indie authors.
- Best Suited For: Writers who want creative control and independence.
Self-publishing has empowered many first-time writers in Dubai to enter the market quickly and professionally.
Dubai’s Publishing Market in 2025
The publishing landscape in Dubai is shaped by several key forces:
- Government Initiatives: Dubai and Sharjah continue to invest in literacy campaigns and cultural programs.
- Multilingualism: Demand is high for books in Arabic and English, while Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog titles also find markets.
- Digital Innovation: Audiobooks and e-books are on the rise, driven by mobile-first readers.
- Literary Events: The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature attracts global authors and puts Dubai on the map.
- Education: Bilingual educational publishing remains one of the strongest sectors.
This combination of cultural support, international exposure, and market demand makes Dubai one of the most exciting places for publishing in the Middle East.
Conclusion
Dubai’s publishing industry in 2025 is diverse, innovative, and outward-looking. From the ghostwriting expertise of Barnett to the children’s focus of Kalimat, the lifestyle books of Palm Tree, and the academic strength of Arab Scientific Publishers, there is a partner for every type of author.
The future of publishing in Dubai will likely continue blending cultural authenticity with global reach, embracing both traditional formats and digital innovation. For authors, choosing the right publisher depends on your goals—whether it’s regional recognition, global distribution, or creative independence.
One thing is clear: Dubai is no longer just a center for business and tourism; it has firmly established itself as a literary capital in the Middle East, offering opportunities for voices from across the world to be heard.
FAQs
Q1: How can I publish a book in Dubai?
Authors can approach traditional publishers, hybrid publishers, or self-publishing service providers.
Q2: Is it possible to self-publish in Dubai?
Yes. Many companies provide end-to-end self-publishing services.
Q3: Which genres sell best in Dubai?
Children’s literature, lifestyle books, memoirs, and educational content.
Q4: What’s the role of ghostwriting in Dubai?
Companies like Barnett Ghostwriting support professionals who lack time to write but want to publish their stories.
Q5: Can I find bilingual publishers in Dubai?
Yes, publishers like Al Hudhud and Kalimat focus on bilingual and Arabic content
