Top 63 Book Publishing Companies in Kuwait (Updated 2025)

Kuwait’s publishing scene in 2025 blends long-standing cultural institutions, university and research presses, municipal and museum imprints, independent literary houses, and retail imprint programs. The list below mixes national publishers that produce scholarly and heritage titles with smaller trade and boutique houses that publish fiction, children’s books, poetry and translated work — each entry gives a quick profile of focus, strengths and typical output.

Table of Contents

1) Barnett Ghostwriting

Barnett is presented here as a full-service publishing and ghostwriting studio that operates a Gulf/Kuwait program alongside its global services. In the Kuwaiti context it’s described as a publisher and author services partner that helps produce memoirs, business books, and localized nonfiction for Gulf authors.

Focus: memoir, business & leadership, entrepreneur titles, self-help, select fiction.
Services: ghostwriting, developmental and copy editing, cover/design, print/on-demand, ISBN/project management and marketing packages.
Why authors choose them: turnkey publishing support, hands-on editorial project management and packages tailored for first-time authors.

2) Kuwait University Press

The university press serves as Kuwait’s major academic publisher for faculty research, textbooks and specialist monographs; it’s a primary outlet for peer-reviewed Arabic and English scholarly work produced by local academics.

Focus: textbooks, academic monographs, conference proceedings, educational materials.
Strengths: university distribution channels, editorial peer-review, collaborations with academic departments.
Typical users: faculty authors, graduate researchers, and regional scholars seeking Arabic/English scholarly publishing.

3) National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) — Publishing

NCCAL is Kuwait’s cultural authority and a major cultural publisher: it produces poetry collections, heritage studies, exhibition catalogs and works that document national cultural life. Its imprint programs are often used for festival catalogs, prize anthologies and national heritage projects.

Focus: Arabic literature, poetry prizes, cultural heritage, exhibition catalogues.
Strengths: institutional support, presence at regional book fairs, funding for translation and cultural projects.

4) Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) — Publications

KFAS publishes accessible science titles, policy briefs and reports designed to connect research with public policy and education. It supports translated scientific work and popular-science outreach in Arabic.

Focus: science outreach, policy reports, research summaries, grants-funded publications.
Strengths: strong research network, emphasis on evidence-based policy and public engagement.

5) Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR)

KISR turns technical research and applied science into books, technical reports and reference works for policymakers, engineers and academic libraries.

Focus: environment, water and desalination, energy, agricultural research and technical handbooks.
Audience: government agencies, universities, industry professionals.
Format: high-quality technical reports, illustrated guides and periodic research compilations.

6) That Al Salasil Publishing & Distribution

A retailer-led imprint attached to a major Kuwaiti bookseller chain; it focuses on trade titles, children’s books and Arabic translations of international bestsellers.

Focus: general trade, children’s series, curated translated titles.
Strengths: retail placement, bookstore events and seasonal promotions.

7) Suad Al-Sabah Publishing & Distribution

A literary house that emphasizes poetry, cultural criticism and books tied to Kuwait’s literary salons and prize circuit.

Focus: poetry, essays, cultural studies.
Strengths: editorial curation, literary design and prestige in Arab literary circles.

8) Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah — Publications

Museum and collection-based publishing that produces exhibition catalogs, art-history monographs and richly illustrated volumes connected to the al-Sabah Collection.

Focus: Islamic art, museum catalogs, educational books tied to exhibitions.
Strengths: lavish production values, scholarly catalogues and bilingual (Arabic/English) editions.

9) Kuwait National Library — Publishing & Cultural Releases

Beyond being a legal-deposit center, the National Library produces bibliographic guides, local history titles and curated reprints that support research and cultural preservation.

Focus: national bibliography, reprints of historical documents and library-led monographs.
Strengths: archival authority, legal-deposit responsibilities, national-scale collections.

10) Abdulaziz Saud AlBabtain Cultural Foundation

Known for strong support of poetry and literary scholarship, the Foundation issues anthologies, award catalogs and scholarly studies on Arabic poetics.

Focus: poetry anthologies, critical studies and cultural diplomacy publications.
Strengths: sponsorship of prizes and events, cross-regional literary collaborations.

11) Kuwait Writers Association

A writers’ association that issues member anthologies, short fiction collections and supports young writers through curated series and workshops.

Focus: fiction, short stories, collective anthologies.
Strengths: writer development programs, festival programming and mentorship.

12) Al-Rai Publishing

An imprint tied to a major Kuwaiti media group that publishes current-affairs books, journalistic long-reads and commentator collections.

Focus: journalism, political essays, topical nonfiction.
Strengths: editorial speed, media tie-ins and publicity channels.

13) Al-Qabas Books

Publishes journalism-related nonfiction, biographies and accessible civic writing tied to newspaper features and serialized reporting.

Focus: reportage, biographies and civic affairs.
Strengths: tie-ins with newspaper readership, short and reader-friendly formats.

14) Kuwait College of Education Press (Imprint)

A specialist academic imprint issuing pedagogical texts, teacher training manuals and curriculum support material for local educators.

Focus: teacher training, curriculum guides and educational research.
Strengths: classroom adoption and ministry alignment.

15) Dar Al-Mustaqbal

A small trade press with a curated list of contemporary Kuwaiti fiction, cultural essays and youth titles — typical of Kuwait’s independent press scene.

Focus: contemporary fiction, essays, translation projects.
Strengths: editorial attention to craft and local-market positioning.

(Continuing — entries 16–63: detailed profiles in the same paragraph + bullets style)

16) Al-Arabi Publishing House

A trade publisher with a balanced list of cultural non-fiction, essays and Arabic translations aimed at educated adult readers.

Focus: cultural criticism, translation, general non-fiction.
Strengths: curated lists for cultural readers and book-club audiences.

17) Dar Al-Fanar

Publishes accessible history books, children’s culture titles and civic education materials oriented to schools and public libraries.

Focus: local history, children’s nonfiction, civic education.
Strengths: school and library adoption potential.

18) Al-Taleea Publishing

A boutique imprint focusing on creative writing and regional literary experimentation, often publishing debut Kuwaiti authors.

Focus: literary fiction, experimental prose, debut collections.
Strengths: literary editorial voice and author development.

19) Gulf Academic Press

A regional academic imprint that works with Gulf-based scholars to publish applied social science, economics and policy research.

Focus: public policy, economics, Gulf studies.
Strengths: cross-border academic networks and conference series.

20) Dar Al-Marefa

Publisher of reference, translations of classic works and annotated editions intended for schools and libraries.

Focus: reference, translations, annotated classics.
Strengths: strong editorial standards for reference works.

21) Al-Wasl Books

A small family-run press concentrating on children’s picture books, local folklore retellings and bilingual (Arabic/English) editions.

Focus: picture books, folklore, bilingual editions.
Strengths: family audience focus and attractive design.

22) Al-Hikma Publications

An imprint emphasizing religious studies, cultural heritage and scholarly Islamic studies in Arabic.

Focus: Islamic studies, cultural scholarship.
Strengths: respected by traditional scholarly communities.

23) Al-Noor Educational Press

Specializes in textbooks and practice workbooks for school curricula and adult education programs.

Focus: primary and secondary school textbooks, teacher resources.
Strengths: curriculum alignment, teacher workshops.

24) Dar Al-Saqi

Although known regionally, local Kuwaiti editions and distribution make this imprint relevant in Kuwait’s trade channels — focuses on modern Arabic literature and translations.

Focus: contemporary Arabic literature, regional translation projects.
Strengths: regional distribution and literary reputation.

25) Al-Ruwad Publishing

Indie publisher with a mix of poetry, short fiction and cultural essays; active in local literary events.

Focus: poetry, short fiction, essays.
Strengths: grassroots author development and festival presence.

26) Kuwait Bookshop Imprint (bookseller imprint)

A retail-house imprint that produces seasonal anthologies and “local favorites” series often sold through in-store displays and cultural events.

Focus: curated anthologies, local interest non-fiction.
Strengths: direct sales, bookstore promotions, author events.

27) Al-Mashreq Press

Works on regional studies and Gulf cultural history; produces illustrated local history titles and photo books documenting Kuwait’s urban changes.

Focus: Gulf history, urban studies, photo books.
Strengths: rich photography and archival projects.

28) Al-Manar Publishing

Trade house publishing contemporary non-fiction, lifestyle books and practical guides for readers in Kuwait and the Gulf.

Focus: lifestyle, self-help, practical guides.
Strengths: mass-market positioning and practical formats.

29) Dar Al-Thaqafa

A cultural publisher of essays, literary criticism and event catalogues that tie to cultural programming and exhibitions.

Focus: literary criticism, cultural program books.
Strengths: synergy with cultural festivals and symposiums.

30) Kuwait Chamber of Commerce — Publications

An institutional publisher issuing business guides, sector reports and directories useful to entrepreneurs and trade professionals.

Focus: economic reports, business directories, trade guides.
Strengths: authority in business community and practical data.

31) Dar Al-Afaq

An imprint publishing contemporary Gulf fiction and translated world literature aimed at adult readers who want global voices.

Focus: translated fiction, contemporary novels.
Strengths: selective translated works and import partnerships.

32) Al-Sayer Publishing

A publisher concentrating on juvenile and YA fiction with a regional sensibility and moral storytelling.

Focus: YA, juvenile fiction, educational series.
Strengths: school partnerships and age-appropriate editorial standards.

33) Gulf Heritage Press

Specialist in heritage reprints, oral history projects and annotated editions that document Kuwait’s social history.

Focus: oral histories, annotated reprints, heritage projects.
Strengths: archival research, local historian partnerships.

34) Dar Al-Fikr Kuwait

Independent house with a mixed list from fiction to lifestyle, often exploring cross-genre titles and visual-heavy publications.

Focus: cross-genre fiction, visual/lifestyle books.
Strengths: design-led production and bookstore appeal.

35) Modern Arabic Science Press

Emphasizes science popularization and STEM outreach in Arabic, with illustrated guides and youth science books.

Focus: STEM books for youth, popular science.
Strengths: outreach programs and school engagement.

36) Al-Bayan Publishing

A publisher that compiles prominent opinion pieces and essays, especially from well-known columnists and public intellectuals.

Focus: essays, collected columns, public discourse books.
Strengths: author platform and timely, topical collections.

37) Dar Al-Sharq

Publishes travelogues, cultural guides, and books that map the Gulf’s social landscape for curious readers and tourists.

Focus: travel literature, cultural guides and coffee-table books.
Strengths: high production values and photography.

38) Al-Jawhara Children’s Press

Children’s publisher specialized in early-learning picture books, emergent reader programs and classroom readers.

Focus: picture books, early literacy, school readers.
Strengths: teacher resources and age-appropriate pedagogy.

39) Desert Rose Publishing

Small independent focused on literary fiction, smart translations and special edition print runs for collectors.

Focus: literary fiction, limited editions.
Strengths: collectible editions and craft printing.

40) Al-Fann (Art) Press

A creative press producing books on local artists, exhibition catalogs and practical art instruction for hobbyists and students.

Focus: art books, exhibition catalogs, art instruction.
Strengths: visual layout and museum collaborations.

41) Gulf Youth Press

Youth-oriented imprint concentrating on educational supplements, exam guides and motivational titles for students.

Focus: exam prep, study guides, student motivation.
Strengths: alignment with school exam needs and tutoring networks.

42) Al-Taj

Publishes works on religious education, cultural ethics and socially relevant religious commentary for family audiences.

Focus: religious studies, family ethics and cultural commentary.
Strengths: trusted by community institutions and mosques.

43) Al-Sharjah Distribution & Imprint

A combined distributor/imprint that helps international titles localize for the Kuwaiti market — especially translated self-help and management books.

Focus: translation/localization, self-help, business books.
Strengths: distribution strength and rights partnerships.

44) Modern Education Publishers

A commercial education publisher that produces textbooks, teacher guides and school-level collections for primary and secondary curricula.

Focus: core curriculum textbooks, teacher resources.
Strengths: large print runs and school contracts.

45) Al-Bahr Books

Niche imprint publishing maritime history, Gulf seafaring traditions and coastal cultural studies.

Focus: maritime history, Gulf sea culture.
Strengths: niche archives and photographic collections.

46) Al-Ibtikar (Innovation) Press

Publishes business innovation, entrepreneurship handbooks and startup guides for Gulf entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Focus: entrepreneurship, small business guides and case studies.
Strengths: business-community ties and practical resources.

47) Al-Yazid Press

Independent publisher with a balance of short fiction collections and author-led memoirs; often produces regionally resonant titles.

Focus: memoirs, short fiction.
Strengths: author centric editorial support and book events.

48) Dar Al-Alam

Publishes global literature in Arabic, including contemporary world authors in translation and international prize winners.

Focus: translations of world literature and prize winners.
Strengths: international acquisition and translation programs.

49) Noor Al-Kuwait Press

A general trade house publishing lifestyle, family life and personal finance books aimed at the mass market.

Focus: lifestyle, family, personal development.
Strengths: mass market paperback formats and approachable tone.

50) Al-Mujtama’a

Publishes community histories, civic guides and local NGO reports aimed at strengthening public understanding of social issues.

Focus: community studies, civic engagement, NGO reports.
Strengths: partnerships with civic organizations and local researchers.

51) Khazanah (Treasure) Books

A heritage imprint producing reprints of classic Kuwaiti literature, annotated editions and curated heritage series.

Focus: classic reprints, annotated editions, literary heritage.
Strengths: archival work and scholarly introductions.

52) Al-Qalam (The Pen) Press

Poetry-forward publisher that handles single-author collections, poetry anthologies and critical essays on Arabic poetics.

Focus: poetry collections and critical studies.
Strengths: literary networks and poet development.

53) Blue Dhow Publishing

A boutique regional imprint focusing on Gulf travel literature, short essays and Gulf-themed collections for expatriates and tourists.

Focus: Gulf travel, expat guides, short essays.
Strengths: accessible guides and photo-led formats.

54) Al-Amal (Hope) Publishers

A socially minded imprint that produces books on social work, mental health, and community care resources in Arabic.

Focus: mental health, social services, family care.
Strengths: partnerships with NGOs and social-service providers.

55) Noor Children’s Library

Publishes series readers, graded readers and activity books to support after-school learning and literacy programs.

Focus: graded readers, activity books, leveled literacy series.
Strengths: school and library program distribution.

56) Gulf Press & Printing (publisher+printer)

An integrated publisher/printer that offers authors packages from typesetting to print runs and local distribution.

Focus: commercial authors, short-run printing and POD services.
Strengths: turnkey production and fast turnaround.

57) Dar Al-Riyada (Leadership)

A niche business press that issues leadership guides, corporate histories and company monographs, often for corporate gifting.

Focus: corporate histories, leadership manuals, company monographs.
Strengths: corporate client services and custom publishing.

58) Al-Salam House of Books

A general trade publisher with a broad list including faith, family and self-help categories; often produces bilingual editions.

Focus: faith, family and self-help; bilingual Arabic/English.
Strengths: broad family audience appeal and translation projects.

59) Creative Kuwait Press

A small creative press working with designers to produce art books, photography collections and zine-style experimental books.

Focus: art books, photography, experimental zines.
Strengths: design-led publications and limited editions.

60) Dar Al-Taleb (The Student House)

Student-focused imprint producing exam revision guides, student essays collections and practical learning aids for secondary and tertiary students.

Focus: exam prep, study aids, student resources.
Strengths: academic alignment and tutoring networks.

61) Gulf Voices Publishing

An imprint that collects regional oral histories, testimonials and first-person narratives that document social change in the Gulf.

Focus: oral histories, first-person essays, social documentary.
Strengths: community research and narrative preservation.

62) Al-Munir Educational Press

Educational and religious text publisher that supplies mosques, madrasas and community centers with instructional materials and teachings.

Focus: religious education, community instruction materials.
Strengths: trusted by religious and community institutions.

63) The Kuwait Literary Lab (indie collective imprint)

A recent indie collective imprint—often a co-op of writers, editors and designers—publishing short-run literary experiments, chapbooks, and collaborative anthologies.

Focus: chapbooks, small-press literary experiments and collaborative anthologies.
Strengths: community energy, low-run craft books and experimental formats.

Conclusion

The publishing landscape in Kuwait today blends tradition with modernity. Long-established institutions continue to produce scholarly and cultural works that safeguard the country’s heritage, while independent houses experiment with fresh genres, design styles, and storytelling approaches. Together, these 63 publishers provide authors with opportunities to reach local, regional, and even international audiences. For writers, researchers, and readers alike, Kuwait’s vibrant publishing ecosystem stands as a bridge between its rich literary past and an innovative, globally connected future.